WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - The state expects to run out of space to
treat sexual predators in Larned by 2012, and local officials are
pushing a major expansion.

Several officials are urging legislators to approve an expansion
costing nearly $90 million. That proposal has been outlined by the
Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, which operates
Larned State Hospital.

The hospital's sexual predator unit houses 168 people. They are
former prison inmates who are done serving time for sex offense but
have been committed for further treatment because a jury still
deems them a danger.

Area officials have told the Legislative Budget Committee that
staffing shortages endanger safety at Larned. The Social and
Rehabilitation Services proposal includes money for new staff and
operations.