HB 386 Summary

• Establishes uniform statewide citation format and procedures by requiring the Department of Public Safety to adopt standards for all citations issued by peace officers and other authorized persons in Alaska.

• Requires citations to include a statewide numbering system, be made upon oath or affirmation, contain specific information about bail/fine amounts and court procedures, and inform cited persons of their rights including trial, counsel, and witness confrontation.

• Creates new criminal offense of "failure to obey a citation" under AS 12.25.230 as a class A or B misdemeanor for persons who fail to appear in court or pay bail/fines, replacing previous penalties.

• Allows persons cited for certain violations with scheduled bail or fines to respond by mail within 30 days by paying the amount and waiving appearance, rather than requiring court appearance.

• Applies to all citations for violations occurring on or after July 1, 2010, and requires Department of Public Safety to adopt implementing regulations by that date.