by Ted Land
Monday, February 01, 2010
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Alaska judges may soon have more power to grant protection to Alaskans who are being stalked or abused.
House Bill 307 passed the House unanimously Monday morning.
The bill is sponsored by Anchorage Democrat Lindsey Holmes and closes a small gap in Alaska statute. It would ensure all victims of sexual assault get the protection they need—specifically, restraining orders.
The bill came about because certain judges have been unable to grant protection in some cases because they say the wording of previous statutes did not allow for it.
Holmes says it was especially a problem in rural communities.
The bill now moves on to the Senate.
Contact Ted Land at tland@ktuu.com
