Legal Pressure Failed to Stir Action on Sex Offender Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota lawmakers had their chance again this session to make changes in the state's sex offender program, but they passed it up.

Now they'll wait to see what a federal judge's ruling this week might require.

District Judge Donovan Frank will rule Wednesday in a class-action lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the program. Plaintiffs argue that commitment is a de facto life sentence, and the judge's earlier writings show he's sympathetic.

Lawmakers early this month appeared to set aside money to explore less restrictive facilities than the prison-like settings in Moose Lake and St. Peter. But that plan fizzled.