SEXUAL-PREDATOR PROPOSALS RAISE ISSUES

Bills dealing with the ugly problem of sexual predators recently received first-round approval in both houses of the Missouri General Assembly. The measures, known as involuntary commitment bills, would keep sexual predators institutionalized, even after they have completed their prison sentences, if they're at risk of committing more crimes.

The bills define sexually violent offenses as forcible rape or sodomy in the first degree, as well as child molestation in the first degree. Under one proposal, the offender would receive treatment and would be subject to annual evaluations. It would be up to the state to prove that the offender is a potential risk to commit additional sex crimes.

The proposals are modeled on a Kansas law upheld last June by the U.S. Supreme Court that allowed sexual predators to be held after they have served their prison sentence. A convicted Kansas pedophile had challenged the constitutionality of that state's law, known as Stephanie's Law after Stephanie Schmidt, who was killed by a repeat offender. One of the sponsors said that perhaps eight offenders currently incarcerated in Missouri penal institutions could be covered by the bill.

This is difficult stuff, and important constitutional issues are involved. Still, society must be equipped to protect its most vulnerable youngsters from those twisted souls who would prey upon them. One of these bills should be passed before the Legislature's May 15 adjournment.