WISCONSIN (WTAQ-WRN) — Wisconsin voters will be able to weigh in on a proposed constitutional amendment on bail reform as part of the April statewide ballot.
Delafield Republican Cindi Duchow says judges will now be able to consider past convictions of those charged with crimes when setting bail.
“They’re gonna look back at their past criminal convictions. They’re going to sort out the dangers to the community and then they’re going to set their bail.” Said Duchow. “And if they want to set it for $10 they can do it. If they want to set it for $10 million; we’re not handcuffing our judges.”
Milwaukee Democrat Dora Drake was among the “no” votes.
“If we’re serious about safety, there are other measures to do that.” said Drake.
She noted prosecutors and public defenders are understaffed and underfunded. Thursday’s vote puts the referendum question on the April ballot statewide.