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Madison, Wisconsin (AP) — The Wisconsin legislature is moving quickly to introduce a constitutional amendment to the April ballot that would make it more difficult for criminal defendants to bail out of prison.
The proposal has been around for years, but it gained new momentum last year when an out-of-bail man drove an SUV through Waukesha’s Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring dozens. got Darrell Brooks Jr. posted his $1,000 bail two days before the parade. He was convicted of six murders last month and sentenced to life in prison.
Congress last year approved a constitutional amendment that would require court officials to consider a defendant’s risk to public safety when setting bail. Bail is currently set only as a means of ensuring that the person is returned to court.
The change will allow courts to consider the full circumstances of a case, including whether the defendant has been previously convicted of a violent crime, the likelihood of absconding, and the need to protect the community.
The bill’s Republican sponsors, State Senators Van Wangard and State Rep. Cindy Duchow, introduced the bill again on Wednesday. To be put on the ballot, it must pass Congress again during this session.
Wanggaard said he plans to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, hoping it will pass in time for the April vote. After that, it is up to voters to decide whether to approve it.
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