WA Lege Day 53: Bail changes on the ballot
OLYMPIA -- Washington voters would be given a chance in November to change the constitution in a way that would allow more suspects to be held without bail before they go to trial.
A resolution passed Thursday by the Senate calls for a vote on a constitutional amendment that expands the "no bail" exception that now exists for people accused of a capital crime.
If voters approve in November, the following language would be added:
"Bail may be denied for offenses punishable by the possibility of life in prison upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that creates a substantial likelihood of danger to the community of an yupersons, subject to such limitations as shall be determined by the Legislature."
The bill is a reaction to the Maurice Clemmons case in which a suspect awaiting trial killed four police officers in Lakewood, Wash. It now goes to the House, which has supported a similar measure.