Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday passed House Bill 67, which mandates that courts must consider the safety of victims in sexual assault and other sexual offense cases.

HB 67 would permit a judge to impose additional conditions on a person charged or convicted of sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, incest, unlawful exploitation of a minor, or first-degree indecent exposure. These additional conditions might include no contact with the victim or alleged victim, residing in a place where there is no likelihood of contact with the victim, and taking prescribed medication.

"Victims are usually notified of bail hearings in these cases, but there is nothing in statute that require judicial officers to inquire if such notification has been made," said Representative Norman Rokeberg, sponsor of HB 67. "House Bill 67 requires that before someone charged in one of these cases is released that the judicial officer must inquire about whether the victim or the victim's representative has been notified and whether they are in court and wish to comment.

Rokeberg said the legislation stems from a situation faced over the past year by one of his constituents whose young child was sexually abused. The parent was not notified of the bail hearing and the alleged predator was released back into the community with minimal supervision, despite the District Attorney's request for 24-hour supervision.

Victims for Justice, the Tundra Women's Coalition, Sitkans Against Family Violence, Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence, and the Alaska Peace Officers Association have all expressed support for this bill.

HB 67 passed the House unanimously and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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