House Speaker Cameron Sexton is pushing a constitutional amendment that would prohibit bail for certain violent crimes. (Photo: John Partipilo)
Continuing a tough-on-crime mantra, House Speaker Cameron Sexton is sponsoring a constitutional amendment that would give judges more leeway to hold violent criminals without bail.
Sexton and a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced the plan in a recent Memphis press conference where they explained the amendment would enable the judiciary to hold defendants without bail on offenses such as child rape, especially aggravated kidnapping and second-degree murder. Under current law, judges can deny bail only for capital murder.
The measure would also “add transparency” in these cases by requiring judges to explain the reasons for denying or allowing bail, according to Sexton’s office.
“There are examples from all across our state of violent criminals, even repeat violent criminals making bail and then reoffending while out on bail,” Sexton said in a statement. “We are looking forward to working with Majority Leader (Jack) Johnson and the General Assembly to build safer communities across Tennessee.”