By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
Hoosiers have a right to feel safe at home and in their communities.
In recent years, we've seen too many stories about dangerous repeat criminals who were arrested but let out of jail on little or no bail, only to hurt more innocent people.
That's why this year I supported Senate Joint Resolution 1, which seeks to amend our state's constitution to allow judges to hold an arrestee without bail if there is no way to release them without threatening the public.
Senate Joint Resolution 1 was originally approved by the General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session, but because it's seeking to amend the Indiana Constitution, it must be approved again by a separately elected General Assembly.
If Senate Joint Resolution 1 is approved by the House of Representatives later this session, it will appear as a statewide ballot question during this November's election, meaning you will have a chance to weigh in on this important issue.
A companion bill, Senate Bill 2, also recently passed the Senate. This legislation would make sure arrestees are treated fairly when their bail is set and guarantees all arrestees have legal protections like the right to an attorney at their bail hearing, the right to present evidence and the right to have their bail set in a timely manner.
Senate Bill 2 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
