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REPRESENTATIVE MAX GRUENBERG
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2012
Rep. Gruenberg Safety and Veterans Legislation Signed Into Law New laws crack down on arsonists and help families of deceased veterans
Today, the governor signed two bills by Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage) into law, protecting Alaskans from arsonists and helping families of deceased veterans in their time of loss.
The bi-partisan arson legislation (HB56) adds arson to the list of serious crimes under Alaska’s conspiracy laws, allowing the state to prosecute people who plan arson in addition to those who actually set the fires. Rep. Gruenberg was a primary sponsor of this legislation with the late Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer).
“When it comes to most big arson cases, including bombing and other explosions, the mastermind often isn’t the one lighting the match,” said Rep. Gruenberg. “This bill will help us prosecute everyone involved in the crime, from terrorists to anyone else who conspires to set fires in Alaska.”
The veterans legislation (HB129) allows a surviving spouse, next of kin, or other relative of a deceased veteran to get up to four free certified death certificates of the deceased to help them process various benefits for which they are entitled as a result of their loss.
“Allowing families to receive free death certificates shows our respect for Alaska’s veterans and their families and will provide a valuable service to those they leave behind,” said Rep. Gruenberg.
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