A new report claims that the state of California has been spending at least $1.7 million annually on housing and treatment for “sexually violent predators” following their release from mental institutions.

As Just The News reports, the period of time between fiscal years 2003-2004 and 2023-2024 saw the state of California pay nearly $93 million to Liberty Healthcare, for the purpose of housing, treating, supervising, and monitoring 56 criminals who were labeled by the state as “sexually violent predators” (SVPs). These criminals were identified as such due to being “convicted of specific sexually violent crimes and who also have significant mental health conditions as sexually violent predators.”

However, at least 4% of those who underwent this program ultimately went on to commit additional offenses during their supervision by Liberty Healthcare, in contrast to a recidivism rate of 19% among those who were released from state mental hospitals unconditionally.

Despite criticisms of Liberty’s handling of this scandal, the company has been the state contractor for the last 20 years due to being the only bidder, even after four different attempts by the state to get other companies to bid.

“Secretly attempted placements of SVPs near schools; attempted escapes and fence-hopping by SVPs; and the continuing hide-the-predator game-playing by the Newsom Administration has got to stop,” said State Senate. Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Calif.). “The Legislature now has all the evidence we need to step in and reform the whole costly, wasteful, and dangerous SVP release program.”

The state auditor recommended that, in order to address the crisis, the state instead start housing SVPs in transitional group housing that will provide “supervision that is commensurate with the risk levels the residents may pose,” including “24‑hour staffing and escorts when residents travel outside of the facilities.”