ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Sex offenders in Minnesota would face tougher penalties, including life in prison without parole, under a $100 million plan proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Pawlenty said he would ask the Legislature for more than $100 million to fund enhanced sentences, 18 new parole agents to supervise released sex offenders, funds for treatment of sex offenders, and money to add 850 new prison beds.
"It's clear that Minnesota, as well as many other states around the nation, needs to do a better job in how we track down, prosecute, convict, incarcerate, and supervise and treat sex offenders," Pawlenty told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Pawlenty, who said those convicted of heinous sex crimes would face life in prison without release, said voters should get a chance to consider the death penalty for sex offenders who kill their victims.
