Governor signs landmark Omnibus Bill to combat crime and protect crime victims

On July 11, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 66, a comprehensive omnibus crime bill, into law. The landmark legislation enhances public safety and provides robust support for victims and law enforcement throughout Alaska.

A top priority for the Governor has been improving public safety, and he says the Omnibus Bill is vital to meeting that goal.

“HB 66 is crucial in the continuing efforts to make Alaska the best place to raise a family. By closing loopholes, narrowing in on the fentanyl crisis, and making the road to justice easier for those who are victims of sex crimes -- this legislation marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety. The hard work and dedication of our legislators have culminated in a bill that underscores our unwavering resolve to protect all Alaskans,” said Governor Dunleavy.

The sweepingHB 66 covers a range of measures aimed at reducing crime, ensuring justice, and reinforcing the support system for victims. Key provisions of the bill include:

Requiring individuals convicted of sex crimes outside Alaska to register as sex offenders if they live in Alaska and treating the sale or manufacture of certain drugs that cause death as second-degree murder. The bill also makes it a crime to assault someone in the presence of a child.

The bill also addresses some key terminology, replacing the term 'child pornography' with 'child sexual abuse material' and defining the act of forcing someone into adult entertainment or labor as human trafficking.

It elevates paying for sex with trafficking victims to a sexual felony, makes it a crime to stop someone from reporting domestic violence, and addresses victim traumatization by changing the Grand Jury process to allow key witnesses to summarize their testimony.

“House Bill 66 will give law enforcement officers across the state more tools to address some of the largest public safety problems that we are facing, including fentanyl, child sexual abuse material, and much more,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell, adding that Alaska State Troopers will continue to work tirelessly with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable, ensuring that Alaska can be the safest state to live, work, visit, and raise a family.

“I am proud of the criminal legislation being signed into law. This legislation will better protect victims of crime, help prevent dangerous people from escaping consequences, increase penalties for drug traffickers, and bolster Alaska’s sex offender registry to better protect our communities and families,” said Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor.

The bill has had widespread support from victim advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies because of its focus on creating a safer and more just society.

The signing of HB 66 is another in a list of the Governor’s proactive approach to addressing the complexities of crime and ensuring that justice and support are accessible to all. Since taking office, Governor Dunleavy has advocated for and created positive changes within the legal system in pursuit of a safer Alaska. These efforts include the repeal of SB 91, the introduction of public safety laws in HB 106, an increase in State Trooper positions, enhancements to public safety and infrastructure, and increased VPSO positions and resources to address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons.