We have big reason to celebrate, Alaska! HB 5 is now the law because it was amended into HB 325, which was signed into law. Thank you Representative Geran Tarr– a true champion for women in our state – for inviting WPLAK (pictured – WPLAK’s founding Board Chair, Wendi Clark-Manumalo) to the signing ceremony. What an honor to stand beside you in this work, Rep. Tarr. And thanks to all of YOU who took part in our letter writing campaign to get this bill over the finish line. YES!!
This bill was a great bipartisan effort. Thank you to Rep. Rasmussen, Senators Hughes, Kiehl, Holland, and Micicche, and Speaker Stutes, Rep. Tuck, and Rep. Drummond, who all played a role in getting the bill unanimously passed passed in both bodies.
Per Rep, Tarr, this bill does several important things, including from our HB 5 – rewriting the consent definition to a yes means yes affirmative definition. Now, the law says consent is a freely given, reversible agreement specific to the conduct at issue. It criminalizes the act of rape by fraud. These horrific acts were not previously prosecutable.
That’s not all – it has the last piece of a multi-year Rape Kit Reform Initiative to require rape kits be tested within six months. This was added to Rep. Rassmusen’s bill, HB 325, to address revenge porn. Now victims can take action and file a domestic violence protective order against this dangerous crime. Thank you, Representative Sara Rasmussen for your leadership.
Lastly, pieces from other Governor’s bills were added: to permanently revoke a teaching license if you possess or distribute child pornography and to require notification for a name change for those with certain convictions.
Superstar advocates Lisa Ellanna of Nome and Katherine Botz of Juneau were able to fly into Anchorage and be there at the bill signing. A special thanks is also in order to the many organizations, nonprofits and individuals for their incredible advocacy on this legislation – a great day for all to see that advocacy turn into a lasting solutions. A HUGE thank you to Star Alaska for their leadership in bringing this priority to the legislature.
Two other bills were signed last week that you should know about – one improving missing persons reports for college age students to protect those in that age group. The second was Senate Bill 7, by Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, as part of her Turning Pain into Progress package of bills.
Here’s to continuing to work together for make our state a safer place for women and children #Progress
