Crime debate dominates Alaska legislative session

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)– The issue of crime has so far dominated the special legislative session in Alaska.

The House on Monday entered its third day of floor debate on amendments to a bill prompted by public outcry over crime that makes changes to a criminal justice overhaul passed last year. Critics said the overhaul was too soft on crime.

The overhaul, based on recommendations from a special commission, stemmed from concerns about the state’s growing prison population and high rates of recidivism. The commission, among other things, recommended limiting the use of prison for lower-level misdeme...