(SitNews) - Building on his priority to keep Alaska’s children safe, Governor Sean Parnell on Thursday signed legislation that increases the penalties for child abuse and child exploitation. The legislation also updates statutes related to stalking so the laws recognize new and emerging technology used by stalkers. House Bill 127 was introduced by Governor Parnell as part of his Choose Respect and Safe Homes, Strong Families initiatives.

Building on his priority to keep Alaska’s children safe, Governor Sean Parnell on Thursday signed legislation that increases the penalties for child abuse and child exploitation. The legislation also updates statutes related to stalking so the laws recognize new and emerging technology used by stalkers. House Bill 127 was introduced by Governor Parnell as part of his Choose Respect and Safe Homes, Strong Families initiatives.
Photo courtesy Office of the Governor

“We are all aware of Alaska’s staggering child abuse and exploitation rates,” Governor Parnell said. “It is our obligation and responsibility to put the safety of our children first. I appreciate the unanimous support from the Legislature that will help us fight against those who harm children.”

House Bill 127 also:

• Raises the penalties for online enticement of a minor for repeat offenders from a class B felony to a class A felony;

• Creates a new crime of sending explicit images of a minor;

• Clarifies that a person who commits the crime of online enticement of a minor or sending an explicit image of a minor can be prosecuted in Alaska if the victim is located in Alaska, regardless of the offender’s location;

• Updates stalking statutes to include the use of global positioning systems (GPS) or installation of a device to observe, record, or photograph events occurring within the victim’s office, home, or automobile; and

• Prohibits a peace officer from engaging in sexual acts with a person in the officer’s custody or apparent custody, or in the custody of a law enforcement agency.

Governor Parnell’s budget includes funding for two new positions in the Cybercrime Unit. The governor also signed Senate Bill 15. SB 15, sponsored by Senator Kevin Meyer, increases penalties on a registered sex offender or child kidnapper providing alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age.

“This bill is so important, because alcohol and drugs have been shown repeatedly as a ‘grooming tool’ to lure children and teens into sexual activity,” Senator Meyer said. “This disgusting behavior has to stop and every step we take to prevent it protects children all over Alaska. There were very few bills passed this year, so I appreciate the legislature making this a priority and the Governor agreeing to sign it into law.”

“We are all aware of Alaska’s staggering child abuse and exploitation rates,” Governor Parnell said. “It is our obligation and responsibility to put the safety of our children first. I appreciate the unanimous support from the Legislature that will help us fight against those who harm children.”

House Bill 127 also:

• Raises the penalties for online enticement of a minor for repeat offenders from a class B felony to a class A felony;

• Creates a new crime of sending explicit images of a minor;

• Clarifies that a person who commits the crime of online enticement of a minor or sending an explicit image of a minor can be prosecuted in Alaska if the victim is located in Alaska, regardless of the offender’s location;

• Updates stalking statutes to include the use of global positioning systems (GPS) or installation of a device to observe, record, or photograph events occurring within the victim’s office, home, or automobile; and

• Prohibits a peace officer from engaging in sexual acts with a person in the officer’s custody or apparent custody, or in the custody of a law enforcement agency.

Governor Parnell’s budget includes funding for two new positions in the Cybercrime Unit. The governor also signed Senate Bill 15. SB 15, sponsored by Senator Kevin Meyer, increases penalties on a registered sex offender or child kidnapper providing alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age.

“This bill is so important, because alcohol and drugs have been shown repeatedly as a ‘grooming tool’ to lure children and teens into sexual activity,” Senator Meyer said. “This disgusting behavior has to stop and every step we take to prevent it protects children all over Alaska. There were very few bills passed this year, so I appreciate the legislature making this a priority and the Governor agreeing to sign it into law.”

Source of News: 

Office of Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

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