Alaska State Legislature

News From The House Majority

Ken Freeman, Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org

For Immediate Release: February 13, 1997 Contact: Rep. Jerry Sanders (907) 465-4945

House Measure Seeks Capital Punishment Advisory Vote

JUNEAU - Representative Jerry Sanders (R-Anchorage) Thursday introduced legislation in the Alaska State House that seeks an advisory vote from the public on the November 1998 ballot on whether Alaska should have a capital punishment law.

HB 131, sponsored by Rep. Sanders, is companion legislation to SB 52 sponsored by Senator Robin Taylor.

In line with the Republican-led Legislature's fight crime package, Representative Sanders said he is looking to add severe consequences for committing heinous crimes in Alaska.

"We need to add teeth to Alaska's criminal law and let criminals know that if they commit murder in Alaska they are going to pay for it," said Sanders.

"During hearings we've had on the subject of capital punishment, we heard from the ACLU and other 'experts' from outside our state tell us what Alaskans should think about the death penalty. I think it's time we asked the Alaskan people for their opinion about this issue," said Sanders.

"Before we go ahead with a capital punishment law, I want to know if the people of Alaska support it - that is why I am starting first with the question on the November 98 ballot."

The question will read:

Shall the Alaska State Legislature enact an law providing for capital punishment for murder in the first degree and establishing procedures for the imposition of capital punishment that are consistent with the United States Constitution as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. Yes/No

"By having a death penalty we send a clear message that if you commit murder in this state, instead of being sentenced to life, you may be sentenced to death," said Sanders.

"To create safe neighborhoods in Alaska we must have strong laws on the books to deter criminals," said Sanders.

Broadcast Note: An audio actuality is available by calling 1-800-478-6540.

###