HB 238 Summary

• Amends AS 11.46.482(a) to define criminal mischief in the third degree, including intentional damage to another's property of $750 or more, reckless creation of damage risk exceeding $100,000 through widely dangerous means, and knowing defacement or desecration of cemeteries, tombs, graves, or memorials.

• Adds new criminal offense categories for knowingly removing human remains or associated burial artifacts from cemeteries or graves regardless of their condition, and defacing or damaging religious property including places of worship and tangible religious items.

• Establishes affirmative defenses to prosecution for cemetery employees engaged in authorized activities, persons authorized by law or state permit, and employees of religious organizations or property owners engaged in authorized activities on behalf of those entities.

• Takes effect immediately upon passage under AS 01.10.070(c).