Constitutional Amendment 1: Remove the Right to Bail for Certain Serious Felonies
Source: elections.tn.gov
What does this measure do?
Lets judges deny bail before trial to people charged with murder, aggravated rape, terrorism, grave torture, capital crimes, or any felony that requires serving 85% of the sentence, when the evidence is strong. Judges must state their reasons on the record; no cost to you.
Read the official ballot measure (PDF)
Proposed by: Tennessee General Assembly (Senate Joint Resolution 25, Sen. Jack Johnson)
Sen. Johnson is a Franklin Republican and the Senate majority leader. He says wealthy defendants can buy their way out of jail while poorer ones stay locked up for lesser crimes.
Source: wsmv.com
A YES vote means
Courts could hold defendants charged with those serious felonies without bail when the evidence is strong, and must explain each bail decision on the record.
A NO vote means
Everyone except capital-offense defendants keeps the right to bail, as now.
Sources: sos.tn.gov · ballotpedia.org · tennesseelookout.com
Source: nashville.gov