Senate Committee On Mental Health To Consider Civil Confinement Legislation

The Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Chaired by Senator Tom Morahan (R-C, New City), will hold a committee meeting on Monday, March 5, 2007 to consider the Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act (S3318), a bill which establishes comprehensive reforms to enhance public safety by allowing the State to continue managing sex offenders upon the expiration of their criminal sentences, either by civilly confining the most dangerous recidivistic sex offenders, or by permitting strict and intensive parole supervision of offenders who pose a lesser risk of harm. Treatment is mandated during both criminal and civil confinement and during the period of strict supervision. It also creates a new crime of a "Sexually Motivated Felony," and provides for enhanced terms of post-release supervision for all persons who commit felony sex offenses. The meeting will be held at 9:45 am in Room 801 of the Legislative Office Building.

"Sexual predators prey on the innocent --they are among the most dangerous criminals, and recidivism rates for these offenders are especially high. Almost half will end up back in prison from a parole violation or for committing a new crime. This is important new legislation which must be supported with funding for separate and secure facilities to house and treat these individuals. Under no circumstances should they be co-mingled with mental health patients with non-criminal behavior," said Senator Morahan.

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