HB 198 Summary

• Amends AS 12.55.155(c) to establish 37 aggravating factors that courts may consider when imposing sentences above the presumptive range for felony offenses.

• Adds new aggravating factors including crimes targeting victims 65 years of age or older, crimes at health care facilities directed at medical professionals, and knowingly causing a victim to become unconscious with a dangerous instrument.

• Includes aggravating factors for crimes involving sexual orientation or gender identity as motivating factors, and supplies of alcohol or controlled substances to incapacitate victims in sexual assault offenses.

• Expands existing factors to cover repeated instances of animal cruelty, crimes committed while on furlough or parole, and offenses committed on school grounds or at domestic violence shelters.

• Establishes factors related to organized criminal activity, drug trafficking involving large quantities or toxic substances, and crimes targeting witnesses from prior offenses.