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.
Representative Kelly Fenton (R-Woodbury), Vice Chair of the Rules Committee, voted in favor of this decision.
"Keeping families and communities like Woodbury safe is a top legislative priority, and this action by the Rules Committee reaffirms our belief that the Minnesota Sex Offender Program is constitutional," said Rep. Fenton. "This issue transcends political parties, and is about protecting Minnesotans. The House of Representatives is standing with the executive branch in support of the state's appeal of Judge Frank's ruling."