Sex offender bill getting more study

Friday, June 27, 1997 | 11:17 a.m.

Although several committee members seemed ready to pass Senate Bill 100 Thursday, Anderson said he wanted an extra day to find out how civil commitment laws are working in other states.

"I'm not opposed to the concept, but I want to clearly understand how other states are using civil commitment statutes," said Anderson, D-Sparks.

SB100 was introduced by Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, and has already passed the Senate. The bill would allow the commitment of those considered "sexually violent predators" to mental facilities after they've finished their prison sentences.

James told the Assembly Judiciary Committee that the offenders would have to go through a hearing before a judge to determine if they were eligible for civil commitment.

"This is a treatment law," James said. "If just one sexual predator is going to go out and hurt one child, that's enough to pass this legislation."

James said SB100 was based heavily on Kansas legislation that was upheld Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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