Bill > HB24

This bill amends Alaska Statute 12.55.155(c) to add "sexual orientation or gender identity" as a specific characteristic that, if used as a basis for targeting a victim, can be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. The bill expands the existing list of 37 aggravating factors that a sentencing court may consider when determining whether to impose a sentence above the presumptive range for a criminal offense. These factors include things like the severity of physical injury to a victim, deliberate cruelty, use of a dangerous instrument, targeting particularly vulnerable victims, having a significant prior criminal history, committing an offense as part of a group, or targeting someone because of their race, disability, or other personal characteristics. The new provision specifically adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected characteristics, meaning that if a defendant commits an offense specifically targeting a person because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, this could be used as a reason to impose a more severe sentence. The bill also specifies that these changes will apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB24