The Alaska House has confirmed its decision last week to approve a set of sweeping reforms to the state’s criminal justice system.
In a Wednesday floor session, representatives voted 28-10 to approve Senate Bill 91. Wednesday’s decision followed a 28-11 vote on May 5. The second vote was made necessary by Rep. Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage, who asked that the Legislature reconsider its first one.
The only difference was the absence of House Majority Leader Charisse Millett, who voted ‘no’ in the first decision.
The bill now goes to the Senate, which previously approved the bill but will now be asked whether it agrees with the changes the House has made to the measure.
The Senate could vote as early as 11 a.m. Thursday, its next scheduled floor session.
If the Senate agrees with the changes made in the House, the bill will advance to the desk of Gov. Bill Walker for consideration.
In other business Wednesday, the House voted 35-3 in favor of a compromise version of House Bill 137, which raises most fees levied by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The House had rejected amendments made to the bill by the Senate on April 17, requiring the bill to go to conference committee.
The compromise version of HB 137 now awaits approval by the Senate.
