HB 52 Summary

• Eliminates marriage as a defense to sexual assault crimes under AS 11.41.410-11.41.427, except for certain lesser offenses where parties are married and have not filed for separation or dissolution.

• Expands enticement of a minor crime to include all communications (not just online) and removes "online" designation; makes it a class B felony, or class A felony if defendant is required to register as sex offender.

• Adds semen contact to definition of "sexual contact" and modifies harassment and indecent viewing/production crimes to broaden scope of prohibited conduct.

• Allows consideration of all prior felony convictions when imposing sentences under AS 12.55.125(i) regardless of age, overturning the Williams v. State court decision's 10-year limitation.

• Requires sex offenders required to register in any other jurisdiction to also register in Alaska regardless of whether their conviction is similar to an Alaska sex offense; requires reciprocity with other jurisdictions for sex offender registration.

• Effective date: July 1, 2019.