A constitutional amendment to reform cash bail in Wisconsin could be on the ballot this spring. Wisconsin law currently does not allow judges or court commissioners to consider the severity of the alleged crime when determining bail amounts. State Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) is author of the proposed amendment to allow judges to consider the severity of the crime when setting bail.
The Republican lawmaker says the amendment “makes things more transparent and a fairer process.” The amendment passed with bipartisan support last session. Supporters hope to pass it again and have it on the statewide April ballot. The amendment gets a public hearing at the Capitol on Tuesday.