(Juneau) - Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed the final of five bills in a victims' rights package put forth by Representative Nancy Dahlstrom, (R-Anchorage/Eagle River), Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage), Representative Ralph Samuels (R-Anchorage), and Representative Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su). HB 349, sponsored by Rep. Samuels, passed the House today by a vote of 34 to 4.

HB 349 is designed to promote honest testimony by criminal defendants. The legislation would allow prosecutors to use prior suppressed statements and evidence to cross-examine defendants who have changed their story.

"Alaska's current law on this issue prevents courts from challenging the credibility of defendants. This hinders the truth-finding process," Representative Samuels said. "The jury should know when a defendant takes the stand and changes their story."

Four other pieces of legislation making up the crime package, HB 357, HB 348, HB 397 and HB 398, have already passed the House. HB 357, also sponsored by Rep. Samuels, passed the House earlier this week, and makes restitution mandatory in any case where a victim has suffered financial loss.

All five bills now await action by the Alaska State Senate.

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