State Senate unanimously passes bill blocking imminent release of violent sex offenders, other dangerous mentally ill people

The state Senate today unanimously passed a bill preventing the imminent release of hundreds of violent sex offenders and other dangerous mentally ill people who are currently in civil commitment. The proposal comes after a recent court decision put discharge requirements in question. Republican Senator Warren Limmer of Maple Grove says “it’s simply unbelievable that Minnesotans’ safety has been put in jeopardy by the court’s decision. Violent sex offenders and mentally ill people should not be released until we are absolutely sure they are no longer a danger to our community .” The court’s decision removes the step of a provisional discharge–which limits the freedoms of potentially dangerous people. Limmer says “in the past, the state has set a high bar for release of dangerous people who are previously civilly committed.”  He says his bill would maintain that high standard.