Minnesota Sex Offender Program

Jun 17, 2015

Judge rules Minnesota sex offender program unconstitutional

U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank largely sided with the more than 700 residents who were civilly committed to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.

Dec 31, 2014

Year in review: Five takeaways from the Capitol

The governor and his DFL allies at the Capitol crafted an election-year ready legislative agenda with plenty of curb appeal for the party’s base but unlikely to alienate swing voters.

Dec 18, 2014

Session preview: The year of the porta-potty?

The $272 million Capitol restoration poses challenges for lawmakers as well as the public.

Nov 21, 2014

Report urges overhaul of state’s sex offender program

A court-appointed panel is calling for an overhaul of the laws and treatment protocols that have made Minnesota the nation’s per-capita leader in the civil commitment of sex offenders.

Jun 26, 2014

The Capitol Note: Both parties expect bump from Obama visit

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Minnesota’s sex offender treatment program is unconstitutional, but deferred any immediate action to await further proceedings on a remedy. U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank largely sided with the more than 700 residents who were civilly committed to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program after they completed their prison sentences. (Read ...

Jun 18, 2014

As usual, sex offender case swept up in politics

Attorney General Lori Swanson's opposition to the proposed release of Thomas Duvall from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) has drawn the embattled program into the political crosshairs once again.

Apr 24, 2014

The Capitol Note: Senate passes WESA, now negotiations begin

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Minnesota’s sex offender treatment program is unconstitutional, but deferred any immediate action to await further proceedings on a remedy. U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank largely sided with the more than 700 residents who were civilly committed to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program after they completed their prison sentences. (Read ...

Dec 3, 2013

The Capitol Note: Sex offender recommendations met with tepid support

The sex offender task force's final recommendations emphasized the importance of separating the civil commitment process from the risk of political interference.

Nov 19, 2013

The Capitol Note: Seifert to kick off campaign for governor Thursday

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Minnesota’s sex offender treatment program is unconstitutional, but deferred any immediate action to await further proceedings on a remedy. U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank largely sided with the more than 700 residents who were civilly committed to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program after they completed their prison sentences. (Read ...

Nov 13, 2013

Dayton wants to temporarily suspend provisional release of sex offenders

Dayton has asked Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson to suspend any provisional releases from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program until a special task force and legislators can address concerns about the constitutionality of potentially locking up offenders for life.

Sep 26, 2013

GOP House members raise concerns over proposed transfer of sex offenders

**UPDATED** GOP Reps. Brian Johnson and Nick Zerwas are raising concerns about plans to transfer six civilly committed sex offenders to a facility in Cambridge. In a letter to Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson, the legislators questioned whether the plan will endanger the public.

Aug 5, 2013

Civilly committed sex offender commits suicide

Raymond Messer, who has been civilly committed as a sexually dangerous person since 2011, committed suicide on Friday at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program's Moose Lake facility, according to multiple sources familiar with the incident.