Alaska Lawmakers Consider Closing Sexual Assault Loophole

0:00On this March 11th in Anchorage, here's what is making headlines. Alaska lawmakers are considering a bill to close a loophole in the state's sexual assault law for medical providers. The measure, sponsored by Democratic Representative Sarah Hannon from Juneau, would remove the requirement that victims must be unaware of the sexual contact for it to qualify as a crime. It got its first hearing in the House Health and Social Services Committee this week. The push comes from a high-profile case in Southeast Alaska involving chiropractor, Jeffrey Foltz. He faced charges for more than a dozen former patients, mostly Alaska Native women, who said he assaulted them during treatment at a regional health. Consortium in Juneau, his trial last fall ended with two acquittals, 14 mistrials, and one charge dismissed because the victim knew the contact was sexual. One of those victims, Sightlin, Jamie, and Hasselquist, spoke at the hearing. She explained that being aware doesn't mean consent or feeling safe to speak up against

1:01a provider. Her case highlighted the gap in the current law that let the charge get thrown out. The committee heard the bill for about ten minutes, but tabled it for now, with no next hearing scheduled yet. If it passes, it won't affect Foltz's past trial, but would protect future victims from the same issue. Meanwhile, Foltz's remaining charges are still active, and he could face retrial. He's on his third attorney, a public defender who needs more prep time. The next core retina's hearing is set for April 15th. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode. Do not just listen to podcasts. Get lost in them comfortably. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.