Alaska lawmakers eye changes to criminal justice law

JUNEAU (AP) – The Alaska Senate, amid public outcry about crime in the state, is eyeing changes to sweeping criminal justice legislation passed last year.

North Pole Republican Sen. John Coghill, who sponsored the new law, said several areas have emerged as needing to be re-examined, including penalties for petty thefts. Legislation is expected to be introduced soon.

The law, based on recommendations from a criminal justice commission, sought changes to a system that has experienced high rates of repeat offenders.

The commission, in a recent report, said it’s too early to say if the law is suc...