Special session leaving huge deficit for January session

Legislators wrapped up their fourth special session called for the year last week, passing a crime reform bill but failing to take up any new revenue measures.

Passing both chambers, Senate Bill 54 revises the criminal justice reform package passed under SB 91 in 2016. The latest bill is based on recommendations by the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission, including tightening up penalties for Class C felonies and repeat thefts, violations of release and sex trafficking offenses.

"There was definitely a need to work the Senate Bill 91, which I didn't support," commented Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitk...