Juneau -- Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which would give the State a powerful tool to keep violent sexual predators out of our communities, passed the Senate Judiciary committee Wednesday.

"Senate Bill 2 will allow the State to civilly confine violent sexual predators after their release from prison, keeping these repeat offenders from further preying on our neighborhoods," said bill sponsor Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak).

Civil commitment laws have been enacted in 12 states and have been upheld by state supreme courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. The procedures in SB 2 would allow the State to target sex offenders who are substantially likely to commit sexually violent, predatory crimes upon their release and to keep them in a treatment facility until they are no longer a threat to society.

"Statistics show that sexually violent predators-particularly pedophiles-will continue to commit crimes after their release from prison," said Halford. "Confining the State's most dangerous sex offenders is one way we can limit the number of potential victims and destroyed lives," continued Halford.

SB2 now goes to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

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