News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: May 1, 1997 Contact: Senator Robin Taylor 907/465-3873

Should the Legislature Enact a Capital Punishment Law?

Senate Passes Bill that Would Put the Question on the Ballot

Juneau -- Asserting that the public should advise whether or not Alaska will reinstitute capital punishment, the Alaska State Senate passed legislation Wednesday by a vote of 13 to 6 that directs the lieutenant governor to place an advisory vote on the next general election ballot. The question would ask whether the legislature should enact a law to approve capital punishment for murder in the first degree.

"If Alaskans vote yes to have the issue , the Legislature can move forward in 1999 with a detailed presentation and extensive hearings to determine how we would implement such a penalty," said Taylor.

As stated in SB 60, the question would appear on the ballot in substantially the following form:

• Shall the Alaska State Legislature enact a 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?

"Alaska has the best educated population in the nation. The Legislature can trust the voters of this state to offer advice based on information, not emotion", Taylor said.

SB 60 will move to the House after a reconsideration vote by the Senate on Thursday.

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Broadcast Note: Radio Actualities are available from Senator Robin Taylor by calling 800/478-6540.