TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Governor Sam Brownback has signed a bill putting new limits on appeals by sex offenders committed indefinitely to a state treatment program. The measure was passed overwhelmingly by both chambers and Brownback signed it yesterday (TUE). The new law takes effect July 1. Offenders determined by a court to be sexual predators are committed to a treatment program after serving their criminal sentences. The bill would remove the right of confined offenders to request a jury trial when petitioning for release. It also would limit their right to file grievances on some issues. Brownback also signed a bill helping victims of human trafficking by allowing them to file civil lawsuits against perpetrators and collect damages. The new law also takes effect July 1st.
The AP is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, as a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members, it can maintain its single-minded focus on newsgathering and its commitment to the highest standards of objective, accurate journalism.