Juneau -- The Senate voted unanimously on Thursday to approve SB 26, legislation that expands existing statutes prohibiting the use of deception and false information to hinder the criminal justice system.

"In the criminal justice context, people employ deception in two ways: they lie to protect another person who has committed a crime, or they lie to protect themselves. SB 26 addresses both situations," stated bill sponsor Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage).

Current law makes it a crime to use "deception" to hinder the apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another person who has committed a crime. However, this statute applies only if a person lies to prevent apprehension of a person who has committed a crime that is punishable by imprisonment of greater than 90 days. This means that Class B misdemeanors are not covered under the existing law. Class B misdemeanors include such offenses as disorderly conduct, harassment, misconduct involving weapons in the fifth degree, and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. SB 26 amends the existing law so that it applies to all crimes, including Class B misdemeanors.

SB 26 also makes it a crime to give false identity information to a peace officer while the person is under arrest, detention, or investigation for a crime, or while the person is being served with an arrest warrant or being issued a citation.

"According to law enforcement personnel, false identity information can be a significant impediment to successful investigations and prosecutions. The law should not sanction this behavior," stated Senator Leman.

SB 26 is supported by the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, the Alaska Peace Officers Association, and Victims for Justice.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
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