Gov. Mike Braun Releases Video Urging Voters to Weigh Bail Amendment on November Ballot
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun released a video on Oct. 21 explaining Public Question 1 on the ballot: a proposed constitutional amendment that would expand judges' authority to deny bail. Indiana voters will decide the measure in the Nov. 3 midterm election.
Under the current state constitution, defendants are entitled to bail except in murder and treason cases. The amendment would revise Article 1, Section 17: for offenses other than murder or treason, a judge could deny bail if the proof is evident or the presumption strong, and the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. The proposal was approved by two successive legislatures and now goes to voters.
Braun said in the video that he signed bail-procedure legislation earlier this year (Senate Enrolled Act 2) setting guardrails for judges, including factors to consider and protections such as a speedy bail hearing and the right to an attorney. Supporters say the amendment will close a "revolving door" for repeat violent offenders; opponents worry it would broaden pretrial detention, affecting the presumption of innocence and low-income defendants. State Sens. Aaron Freeman and Eric Koch issued statements on Oct. 21 thanking the governor for explaining the question. (GSM, based on reporting by The Indianapolis Star and others)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons（CC BY-SA 4.0，Daniel Schwen 摄）
