Governor proposes civil commitment

Civil Commitment Prevents the Release of Violent Sexual Predators
Montpelier-Governor Jim Douglas has called on the legislature to
create an end of sentence review process for sex offenders designed to
thoroughly review the offender's offense history, involvement and progress
in sex offender treatment, and mental health status.
The Governor said the review would include the possibility of involuntary
civil commitment to the Vermont State Hospital for those who have failed
to complete treatment and who meet a legal definition of a sexually
violent predator to be established in the legislation.
The sex offender registry bill championed by the Governor and victim's
rights advocates in the last legislative session included a provision
sponsored by House Republicans requiring a committee to study civil
commitment and other enhancements of Vermont's sex offender laws.
"In June, we were all delighted when the bill passed and the legislature
joined us in reaffirming and strengthening the rights of families all over
Vermont to protect their children and neighborhoods," Douglas said. "At
that time, Vermont took an important and necessary step in strengthening
its sex offender registry. Stronger sex offender laws give tools to
parents and concerned citizens so they can be more aware of the location
of convicted sex offenders, especially sexually violent predators."
Governor Douglas added that an end of sentence review to evaluate
convicted sex offenders is a reasonable step that must be taken.
"Last spring, we took an important step," Douglas said. "Vermont must take
another important and necessary step by ensuring that the most dangerous
and violent sex offenders are not released into our communities until, and
unless, there has been a determination that the offender does not pose a
danger to the public. That is exactly what a civil commitment statute
would do."