FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 18-015

 

Contact:   Austin Baird, Press Secretary – (907) 370-9761

                    Jonathon Taylor, Deputy Press Secretary – (907) 465-3985

 

Governor Walker introduces additional legislation to continue building a Safer Alaska

 

February 1, 2018 JUNEAU — Governor Bill Walker yesterday transmitted two pieces of legislation to continue progress on building a Safer Alaska.

 

The first bill seeks to address child abuse and neglect by taking a number of important actions:

• Expanding the requirement of mandatory reporter training to all mandatory reporters, not just those who are state and school district employees

• Expanding training requirements for parents and teachers relating to sexual abuse of a minor to include identification of grooming behaviors

• Incentivizing school districts to provide information on employees with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct towards a child

• Renaming a portion of Alaska Statutes addressing training for parents and teachers on teen dating violence and healthy relationships “Bree’s Law”

 

“The issue of child abuse and neglect is difficult to solve, but it is our responsibility to continue to do all we can to protect our children and build a Safer Alaska,” Governor Walker said. “Alaska’s children must be safe in their homes, schools, and communities, and this legislation builds upon steps already taken to achieve that goal, and helps us all pull together for our children’s futures.”

 

The second piece of legislation furthers the state’s goal of successfully rehabilitating prisoners by increasing access to rehabilitation and reentry programs. Preventing recidivism is a critical part of reducing the overall crime rate and ensuring incarcerated individuals have the necessary resources to continue their recovery will augment efforts already underway in the Department of Corrections.

 

Attached: Transmittal letters for public safety legislation.