Group looking at possible sex offender program changes

"MN Legislature"

07/13/2010

Like other states, Minnesota is seeking the proper way to deal with sex offenders.

A legislative study aims to give the 2011 Legislature some options for addressing sex offender issues while decreasing the cost and managing program growth. Currently, the state has 575 civilly committed offenders, a number expected to increase by 50-60 each year.

"We need to fix what's not working and build on the things that are," said Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center), chair of the House Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee.

She is one of 18 people on a study advisory group created in the 2010 bonding law (HF2700*/ SF2360/CH189) to help the Department of Human Services produce a report detailing several areas regarding sex offenders in Minnesota. The report and specific recommendations must be presented to the Legislature by Jan. 15, 2011.

The group's first meeting looked at current Minnesota sex offender data and reviewed the study's charge and process to be used. The process calls for five topical teams to look at different issues: sex offender sentencing, sexual abuse perpetration prevention, sex offender treatment, civil commitment process and civilly committed bed space options.

"I'd like to see a comprehensive package next legislative session that gets at all these issues," said Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul), chairman of the House Public Safety Finance Division.

The plan is for the topical teams to begin meeting in the next month, with the full group to reconvene for a midpoint update in late September. Presentation of the topical team recommendations and discussion of next steps is scheduled to occur in December.

For more information, or to be notified of upcoming meetings, contact Ann Lindstrom, study coordinator, at 651-263-6382 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).