Senate panel advances two nominees to Alaska Violent Crimes Compensation Board

The Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee voted Monday to forward two gubernatorial appointees to the full legislature for confirmation to the Alaska Violent Crimes Compensation Board, a three-member panel that helps crime victims pay for funerals, medical care, and other expenses.

Anna Cometa, seeking a second term, and Joel Hard, a new appointee with four decades in law enforcement, were recommended for confirmation after an April 27 hearing. The board processes approximately 1,000 payment requests annually, averaging $3,000 each, for expenses related to violent crimes.

The Violent Crimes Compensation Board was established in 1972 to compensate innocent victims of violent crimes, including homicide and assault, for medical, counseling, and funeral expenses. Applications to the board have increased 32 percent since 2022, reflecting expanded outreach to remote areas of Alaska.

Cometa, who previously worked as a prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit at the Anchorage District Attorney's Office, told the committee the board's work is invaluable. "This will be my second term if confirmed, and I really feel that my time on the board has opened my eyes to just how valuable the Violent Crimes Compensation Board is," Cometa said.

She credited the board's executive director with expanding access across Alaska. "We have seen a 32 percent increase in new applications since 2022," Cometa said. "So we really are doing exciting work here."

Hard, who has lived in Alaska since 1964 and worked in every region of the state as a state trooper, criminal investigator, and director, said his long career in law enforcement gave him a close look at crime and the justice system. "Supporting victims is an important way to continue to contribute to that purpose which began for me a very long time ago," Hard said.

Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell personally recruited Hard for the position, crediting him with instrumental work improving the Village Public Safety Officer program. "I do not think the VPSO program would be where it is at without his year that he worked for us and his leadership abilities," Cockrell said.

Cockrell, who worked with Hard for more than 20 years in the Alaska State Troopers, called him "the most ethical, honest person that I have ever known." When Cockrell became commissioner, he asked Hard to spend a year reviewing the VPSO program, which was struggling at the time. "I could not think of a better person to take that responsibility than Joel," Cockrell said.

Laurel Shoup, legislative liaison for the Department of Public Safety, testified in her personal capacity about the board's importance. She explained that the three-member board includes Dr. Robert Urata, who provides a medical perspective; Cometa, who brings legal expertise; and Hard, who would fill the public seat.

Shoup noted that the board's annual report shows payment requests go to expenses like funerals for loved ones whose lives ended due to violent crime. "They do very meaningful work," Shoup said.

The committee forwarded both names to a joint session of the legislature for final confirmation. The motion does not reflect how individual senators will vote during the confirmation process.

The board currently has three members after Greg Bringhurst resigned in December 2024. Cometa and Urata have been serving alongside the vacant seat that Hard would fill.