Senate Bills 210 and 212 would protect some of Alaska's most vulnerable citizens

JUNEAU- Senate Bill 210 and Senate Bill 212, sponsored by Senator Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage), moved out of Senate Judiciary last Friday. Senate Bill 210 is geared towards making penalties tougher on crimes committed against a child. The bill includes several different measures including modifying statutes to create increased criminal liability for physical abuse to children, as well as increased penalties when a parent or caregiver intentionally withholds adequate food or liquids which lead to injury or illness to the child.

“Alaska’s children deserve the best protection that we can give them,” said Senator McGuire. “They are not in a position to defend themselves or demand the kind of care they need. This legislation goes a long way towards making it clear that Alaska has zero tolerance for any abuse.”

Senate Bill 212 would establish a Human Trafficking Task Force which would be asked to research several issues Alaska is facing with regard to human trafficking. The task force will bring together representatives from the Department of Law, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Health and Social Services to evaluate the cases reported and prosecuted and the needs of the victims. In an amendment introduced today by Senator McGuire, two additional spaces would be added to the task force for non-governmental social service agencies. The agencies would be by Governor Parnell.

“We have received requests and reports from national and local organizations asking for additional programs and laws,” said Senator McGuire. “This task force would provide us with a clear non-bias report our Alaska’s needs in this area. I am passionate about helping these victims and want to insure we are doing the best we can to do so.”

Senate Bill 210 and Senate Bill 212 now head to the Senate Finance Committee.

For more information, please contact Amy Saltzman in Senator McGuire’s office at 907-465-2995.

Source: Office of Senator Lesil McGuire