Minnesota Lawmakers Take On Sex Offender Program

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota senators say they must act next year on the politically charged issue of sex offenders, or risk having a judge do it for them.

The state Senate's Judiciary Committee met Monday to discuss the future of the legally imperiled Minnesota Sex Offenders Program.  A federal judge has said lawmakers must alter the state's system of keeping sex offenders in indefinite custody after they finish prison terms, or risk a ruling that it's unconstitutional.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike acknowledged the threat to the program, and expressed hope they can tackle the issue without tripping up in contentious sex offender politics.

A Department of Human Services task force is scheduled to release recommendations by Dec. 1 for legislative changes to the program.