Dissent drowns out in sex predator bill.
Dissent drowns out in sex predator bill.
Sex offenders deemed dangerous by the state would be kept in jails after they completed their prison sentences. Technically, the law would allow courts to put these offenders in custody of the Mental Health Department indefinitely. Gov. Mel Carnahan highlighted the issue in his January State of the State address. Missouri's Mental Health Department has endorsed the measure. Two versions of the bill have moved smoothly through the legislature, easily winning first round approval in both chambers.