In central Indiana, we see on a near daily basis the impacts crime has had on Indianapolis and its suburbs when we turn on the news.
This has been a problem in recent years as dangerous criminal suspects are consistently released from jail on bail, which is why I supported adding Public Question 1 to this November’s ballot.
This question asks voters to amend the Indiana Constitution to allow judges the ability to deny bail to dangerous criminals if allowing them out of jail would pose a threat to the public. This would give our state’s judges more tools in their toolbox to protect Hoosiers from dangerous people, and it’s already the law in 30 other states.
In recent years, we’ve seen examples throughout Indiana — including examples in our own communities — of dangerous individuals who could have been held in jail with no bail that were released and went on to commit more violent crimes.
One local example occurred in 2023 when a defendant in Hendricks County was released on bond after being charged with multiple violent felonies. After his release, the defendant broke into his ex-wife’s home and killed her.
Currently, a judge can only deny bail to someone charged with murder or treason.
Amending our state’s constitution will help keep dangerous people behind bars, off our streets and keep law-abiding Hoosiers safe.
Along with this amendment, this year I supported a law that ensures suspects have their rights — like the right to a speedy hearing or right to an attorney — respected when bail is considered by the courts.
Public Question 1 is only intended for the worst of the worst criminals. By passing this amendment, dangerous individuals who pose a threat to the public could be kept behind bars and away from our families.