Minn. panel takes up gov.'s sex offender proposal

Minnesota lawmakers are taking up Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal to double prison time for sex offenders.

A House public safety committee considers the bill Thursday.

Pawlenty's plan would set the recommended prison sentence for those convicted of first-degree sex crimes at 25 years. Current law sets the recommended sentence at a minimum of 12 years.

First-degree sex offenses are those that involve force, the threat of physical harm, dangerous weapons, underage victims or mentally impaired victims.

Pawlenty has said keeping sex offenders in prison longer ultimately would save the state money. Prison costs $63 a day, compared with $325 a day for sex offenders committed to a state treatment program after serving their time in prison.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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