MADISON, WI – Rep. Jon Plumer released the following statement after passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 1 (AJR 1), a constitutional amendment to improve Wisconsin’s bail process and keep communities safe:
“For too long we have seen violent criminals allowed back on our streets because judges set extremely low or zero bail amounts. Families and businesses in communities across the state have paid the price for these soft-on-crime policies.
This amendment allows courts to consider the safety of the community. If the defendant is charged with a violent crime, they can also examine previous convictions for violent crimes when setting bail. The constitutional reforms I voted for today give judges another tool to ensure
that violent criminals are held accountable.
These important reforms strike the appropriate balance between keeping our communities safe and ensuring the rights of the accused are upheld. After passing both chambers of the Legislature, the proposed amendment will now become a referendum for voters on the April 4th spring election ballot.”
Rep. Plumer represents the 42nd Assembly District which encompasses Columbia, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Marquette counties.
