MADISON– Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) released the following statement after voting in-favor of 2023 Senate Joint Resolution 2 during today’s floor period:
“Statistics have shown that a high amount of violent crime is committed by a small number of people. Given current constitutional restrictions, judges often feel like they have their hands tied and are forced to release violent offenders back on the streets before trial because Wisconsin is the only state that limits courts to considering a single factor when setting cash bail. SJR 2 ensures judges have more discretion to use their experience and the facts of the case to consider the totality of the circumstances and make more informed decisions on bail that will help to protect witnesses from intimidation, spouses from violent partners, and Wisconsinites from dangerous, repeat violent offenders. I’m pleased to have been able to support this common-sense proposal for a second session, and look forward to hearing what the voters think.”
With passage of 2023 Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2) through the Senate today and expected passage through the Assembly on Thursday, given that this is the second consideration of a constitutional amendment by the Legislature, the amendment questions are expected to be included on the April ballot. SJR 2 is authored by Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representative Cindi Duchow (R-Delafield), and is supported by law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the state.
