Yesterday Alaska's Governor Parnell signed crime bills protecting children, seniors and victims in Anchorage signing ceremony.

House Bill 359 will make it a serious felony offence to conspire to commit human or sex trafficking in the First Degree. The legislation signed by the Governor also raises the penalties for those who victimize or prey on Alaska’s children.

“Human trafficking is not a victimless crime,” Governor Parnell said. “Criminals prey on young women, vulnerable men, and underage girls and boys. Runaways are particularly at risk in our state. Anyone who believes this is a victimless crime just hasn’t seen the terrible devastation it causes. These crimes violate every standard of human decency.”

What used to be termed promoting prostitution, will now be considered sex trafficking with the new wording of the legislation. The bill also allows for confiscation of property if the victim is underage. Additionally, the bill will also allow the use of two way video conferencing in cases where a witness is unable to testify in the court room.

Governor Parnell also signed Senate Bill 210 into law. This bill increases the threshold that adults can be charged for assault in the third degree for causing physical injury to a child, or injures a child on more than one occasion. The bill also created a Attorney General-headed human and sex crimes task force.

The Governor signed another bill, which he himself introduced, this one pertaining to seniors. This bill, SB 86, will strengthen the laws against financial exploitation of seniors, and will allow expedited emergency protection orders for them as well.Representative Bill Stoltze carried that bill.

Victim’s rights were addressed in another bill signed by the Governor. Senate Bill 135 will permit judges and prosecutors to consider the rights of the victim in a case when they are considering whether or not to allow continuances. Now victims will be notified if and when any motions or requests are made that can substantially delay court proceedings.

The bill signings took place in the foyer of the Anchorage Police Department yesterday. Legislators, the media, and law enforcement officers attended the signing ceremony.