Cities Across Minn. Ready For Possible Release Of Sex Offenders

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Cities across Minnesota are bracing for the possible release of sex offenders by passing restrictions on where they can live.

The residency restrictions in Mahtomedi, Minnesota Lake, Birchwood and elsewhere come after a federal judge ruled Minnesota's sex offender program was unconstitutional last year. That decision and the state's ongoing legal fight has sparked concern offenders moving into communities.

The Star Tribune reports some state lawmakers are working to allow stronger residency setbacks for Level 3 offenders around schools and parks. Republican Rep. Jim Newberger says his bill could give cities a better case to defend their ordinances in court.

But Department of Corrections Commissioner Tom Roy says he's concerned by the spike in those laws. He says they make it harder to officers to supervise offenders.

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