Top Minnesota officials sort out sex offender program's fate

(AP) — Minnesota is under federal court pressure to rework its program that locks up sex offenders even after they serve out prison terms, a system the state's political leaders have vigorously defended.

[...] the eventual outcome could have a bearing on how 20 states with similar civil confinement programs deal with sex offenders.

State political leaders have been reluctant to modify the program or create less-restrictive alternatives for the offenders; the prospect is wielded as a political club whenever it arises, with opponents of changes calling the risks too great.

Gov. Mark Dayton, Attorney General Lori Swanson, House Speaker Kurt Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk lead a list of more than a dozen elected officials expected to attend Monday, as well as state agency commissioners, county prosecutors, sex crimes experts and many attorneys.

Dan Gustafson, the lead attorney for sex offenders in the class-action lawsuit, said he has a list of changes for consideration, ranging from more regular mental health evaluations of patients to clearer discharge guidelines.

"A lot of eyes are on this one and it is quite likely that other challenges will emerge in the wake of this one," said University of Kansas law professor Corey Rayburn Yung, who has studied legal issues surrounding sex offender programs, including in Kansas.