Rep. Gundrum Votes for Constitutional Amendment on Bail Reform

For Immediate Release                                                                                       

February 15, 2022

Contact: Rep. Rick Gundrum                                                                                   

(608) 264-8486

Madison, WI – Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) voted for Assembly Joint Resolution 107 (AJR 107) to amend the Wisconsin State Constitution. The resolution will make overdue reforms to Wisconsin’s bail system. After voting for passage, he released the following statement:

“It is rare for us as state legislators to amend the State Constitution. However, Wisconsin is in very difficult times. We have an obligation to ensure our communities are safe and one step in doing that is bail reform. Around 20% of the homicides committed in Milwaukee in 2021 were allegedly committed by individuals who were out on bail or signature bonds for a different crime. This is unacceptable.

“Assembly Joint Resolution 107 will give judges the discretion to consider relevant factors when setting bail. These include previous convictions for violent crimes, the seriousness of a charged offense, and protecting community members from serious harm. Currently, judges can only use bail as a means to ensure appearance in court and not the totality of the circumstances.

“This resolution will now be sent to the Senate for their consideration. I hope they vote in favor of AJR 107.”

An amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution requires a joint resolution to be adopted by the State Legislature in two consecutive sessions. It will then be voted on by the people of Wisconsin in a statewide referendum.

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