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State Representative Kurt Zellers
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5502
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NEWS RELEASE
ZELLERS ANNOUNCES SEX OFFENDER LEGISLATION TO BE TOP PRIORITY THIS SESSION
SAINT PAUL--State Representative Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) has announced the introduction of legislation that would lock up the most violent sex offenders for life. Zellers was joined by co-authors of the legislation, which House leaders have pledged to make the measure a top priority in the 2005 session.
The initiative introduced today increases sentences for sex offenders by providing life without release for aggravated first degree criminal sexual conduct offenses, and indeterminate sentences up to life for non-aggravated first degree criminal sexual conduct, serious second through fourth degree criminal sexual conduct offenses and offenses motivated by sexual impulses with criminal sexual conduct as the goal.
"There have been too many horror stories and too many victims as a result convicted sex offenders who never should have been released," said Zellers. "Current law does not allow the criminal justice system to adequately deal with the most violent sexual offenders. This measure will finally allow judges and juries to do what so has been needed for so long: to lock up the perpetrators of the most heinous sex crimes for life."
Zellers and his colleagues worked hard last session to enact tougher penalties and stiffer sentences. The bill introduced today contains the same language of the final amended version from last session, which was reached after bipartisan negotiations and passed the House by a vote of 117 to 13. Although the Senate and House did not reach a final compromise last year, Zellers is confident members of both chambers will work together to pass sex offender legislation and enhance public safety.
State Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague), a co-author of the bill, said the legislation was long overdue.
"Violent sex offenders, most of whom prey on women and children, should not be given the opportunity to re-offend, destroying the lives of not only their victims but of their families and loved ones, as well," said Brod. "This bill sends a strong message to anyone who seeks to attack the innocent: commit a violent sex crime, and you will spend the rest of your life behind bars."
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