FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 22, 2026) — A resolution authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) seeking to amend the Indiana Constitution to let judges deny bail to those deemed a substantial threat to public safety passed out of the Indiana Senate today.
Senate Joint Resolution 1 would help prevent repeat offenders of violent crimes from returning to the streets by allowing judges to deny bail to alleged offenders that prosecutors have shown pose a substantial threat to a person or the community. The Indiana Constitution currently stipulates bail may only be withheld only for charges of murder and treason.
To change the Indiana Constitution, a joint resolution must be approved by two separately elected General Assemblies. This resolution, also authored by Koch, previously passed in 2023. If SJR 1 passes both chambers, it will go on the ballot in November this year, where a majority of Hoosiers must vote in favor of the amendment for it to become part of the Indiana Constitution.
"It is important to ensure our communities are protected from those who wish to do harm," Koch said. "This resolution would allow Indiana to join 23 other states that have passed similar amendments to keep people safe. I will continue working with my fellow legislators on this important resolution as it continues through the legislative process."
The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Koch is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, ranking member of the Senate committees on Commerce and Technology and Judiciary, and a member of the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. He represents Senate District 44, which includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Orange counties, and a portion of Monroe County.
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Contact: Elijah Roberson, Press Secretary
Elijah.Roberson@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
