December 2, 2013

Statement from Senator Warren Limmer on Sex Offender Civil Commitment Advisory Task Force Report The Sex Offender Civil Commitment Advisory Task Force offered a report examining certain aspects of Minnesotas process for the civil committeeman of sex offenders. Sen. Warren Limmer, lead Republican on the Judiciary Committee, (R-Maple Grove) offered the following response:

(St Paul, MN) Today, after more than a year of meeting and analyzing criminal and civil court procedures and practices, the Minnesota Sex Offender Civil Commitment Task Force published their recommendations to the MN Department of Human Services. I wish to thank the task force members for their work analyzing Minnesotas civil commitment of sex offenders. Meetings have been long, the subject is gritty and emotional, said State Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove). Their work is in reaction to a request of a federal court considering whether Minnesotas civil commitment of sex offenders is constitutional. If we fail to address the courts concern over Minnesotas civil commitment process, and the court rules that the Minnesota Sex Offender Program is unconstitutional, the court could exercise an option that could release some of these patients directly into our communities without supervision, said Limmer. It is the hope that this report will give the federal court as well as Minnesota legislators more information about potential reform of this critical program. We must ensure that our civil commitment process for sex offenders continues to protect the people of Minnesota while we consider certain updates to the current law. It is important to establish lawful criteria that address the treatment or secure placement of sex offenders, while we strive to develop best practices to learn more about the causes of sexual violence and work towards prevention. Minnesota families deserve the peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are safe."

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