A bill which strengthens Alaska’s restitution laws in criminal cases passed the Senate unanimously today.
Senate Bill 5 would require criminals to provide compensation for loss of income to the victims, as well as the market value of a stolen item.
Local Senator Peter Micciche(R – District O) sponsored the legislation, saying the issue was brought to his attention “in 2014 through a recent rash of drug-related burglaries on the Kenai Peninsula and in the Mat-Su Borough.”
He added that “In defense of victim’s rights, which I happen to hold above those of the perpetrator, SB 5 reconciles the current inconsistency in our restitution statutes.”
The bill would “loss of income” to Alaska’s restitution statutes, which it defines as the total loss of income a business or person may lose due to not having stolen property available for the period of time it takes to replace that property.
Currently statutes only require criminal offenders to compensate victims for damages and injury.
