ST. PAUL, MN – The United States Supreme Court announced today that it would not revisit a ruling by the federal Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which found the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) constitutional. The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton.
“This decision from the U.S. Supreme Court affirms that both the Minnesota Sex Offender Program and the State's Civil Commitment Statute are constitutional. Importantly, this ruling does not mean that we abandon our ongoing reforms, to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all Minnesotans. Rather, this ruling will allow us to continue the reforms we have begun, rather than operate under a federal directive.
“Last session, I proposed $18.4 million in new funding for facilities improvements and staffing to make additional improvements. I urge Legislative Leaders to join me in funding continued reforms to this program in the coming legislative session.”
