Senate approves constitutional amendment to limit bail
Posted on March 9, 2010Finding a balance between public safety and constitutional rights, the Senate approved House Joint Resolution 4220 today to limit bail for suspects considered dangerous.
“This is historic. It is one of the few changes we’ve made to our state’s Bill of Rights,” said Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood. “We have better protected our citizens from dangerous felons and have ensured that the Legislature will, in the future, be able to enhance a judge’s ability to determine bail.”
The measure, as passed by the Senate, allows judges to deny bail to someone who has committed a crime that could result in life in prison if the individual has shown a history of violence that could endanger public safety. It also stipulates that the Legislature may provide judges with a set of criteria with which to make a determination of the appropriateness of bail.
Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, and Carrell — the chair and ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, respectively — contend this provision gives the Legislature a more direct role in public safety.
“Throughout this process, I have asked that we move in a wise, compassionate and measured manner — a manner that honors and respects our constitution but also the victims of the tragedy that brought this legislation forward. I thank my colleagues in all three branches of our government for doing this,” said Kline. “Our work has resulted in a measure that cannot be used as preventative detention but rather a real tool for our judges to help to ensure public safety.”
The measure passed the Senate unanimously and now moves on the House of Representatives where it is expected to be approved.
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