ST. PAUL, MN—The House Rules Committee voted Tuesday to retain counsel to prepare and file an amicus brief supporting the state’s position that the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) program is constitutional. In June of this year, United States District Court Judge Donovan Frank ruled that the program was unconstitutional. Judge Frank's ruling has been appealed by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
"Today's action by the House Rules Committee demonstrates our commitment to protecting citizens and families, as well as our support of the state’s appeal of the judge's ruling," said House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers), Chair of the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee.
House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) reaffirmed his previous statements that the MSOP is constitutional, and the House Republicans Caucus supports legal efforts—including an amicus brief approved today—to uphold the program.
"Members of the Minnesota House remain committed to keeping families and communities safe," Speaker Daudt said. "We believe this program is constitutional, and support Attorney General Swanson in her efforts to appeal the judge's ruling."
"Today the House of Representatives is sending a bipartisan message that this program is constitutional, and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the executive branch in defending the program and keeping Minnesotans safe," concluded Rep. Tara Mack, R-Apple Valley, Chair of the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee.