News From The Alaska Democrats
March 28, 2002
Thursday - 8:30 pm
Resolution to Label
Salmon Passes House
House
Joint Resolution 45 supporting
the labeling of wild and farmed salmon passed the House unanimously
Wednesday. Labeling requirements currently being considered by
Congress would give Americans the right to know whether their
salmon was wild or farmed and the country of origin. HJR 45 supports
the legislation being considered by Congress. The unanimous vote
proves that the Alaska State House of Representatives truly is
wild about wild salmon. In her speech to the House, Representative
Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) said, "Wild salmon have health
benefits that are far superior to farmed salmon. American consumers
have the right to know what they,re eating and where it came
from. Federal legislation, HR 2646, is currently being heard
in a conference committee in the U.S. Senate.
HJR 45 now moves to the Senate
for consideration.
Bill to Protect
Victims of Domestic Violence Passes House
House
Bill 348 passed
the House unanimously this week. The bill cracks down on violations
of court ordered restraining orders issued in cases involving
domestic violence. "The most dangerous time for victims
of domestic violence is when they try to get away from their
abuser, said Representative Eric Croft (D-Anchorage). "People
need to know that when they get a protective order against an
aggressor, that order will be upheld. HB 348 changes the allowable
defense for violations of protective orders by accepting only
reasonable misinterpretations as an excuse for the violation.
As the law stands a defendant can claim ignorance that his or
her actions were prohibited by the protective order, no matter
how ridiculous that claim may be. "The responsibility of
following the letter of the law should fall squarely on the shoulders
of the criminal, said Rep. Croft.
HB 348 moves next to the Senate
for consideration.
Bill Protecting
Victims of Sexual Assault Passes House
House
Bill 321 which
changes the victims, compensation board guidelines when considering
sexual assault and sexual abuse of a minor, passed the house
Wednesday with no opposition. HB 321 limits the factors considered
in making a crime victims, compensation award in cases of sexual
assault or sexual abuse of a minor. "It is a shameful insult
to deny a sexual assault victim aid on the misguided implication
they are somehow responsible for what happened to them, said
Representative Gretchen Guess (D-Anchorage). The unintended consequence
of the preexisting language was child abuse and sexual assault
victims could be denied funding if the board found them to have
contributed to the circumstances of the crime. This bill acts
toward absolving the victim of any blame. "These guidelines
have the very unfortunate consequence of not only withholding
aid, but also making a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse
of a minor feel as though they somehow deserved or played a role
in being victimized. This is a horrible outcome that this simple
bill seeks to remedy, said Rep. Guess. The bill adds language
prohibiting the consideration of provocation, the use of drugs
or alcohol, or past social history of the victim by the compensation
board.
HB 321 now moves to the Senate.
Source of News Release:
Alaska Democrats
Web Site
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