Koch
State lawmakers representing parts of Bartholomew County voted to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bail to defendants deemed a “substantial risk” to other people or the community.
The House voted 75-11 to pass Senate Joint Resolution 1, giving the proposed constitutional amendment final legislative approval and placing it on the general election ballot this fall.
In Indiana, constitutional amendments must be passed by two separately elected General Assemblies before voters get the final say. SRJ1 was first passed in 2023 and will only take effect if approved by a majority of Indiana voters this fall.
Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus; Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour; and Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, all voted in favor of the proposed amendment. Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford — the resolution’s author — and Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, voted in favor of it last month.
“SJR 1 addresses an important safety issue in our communities,” Koch said in a statement. “This resolution moving forward is a great step toward ensuring our communities are protected from those who pose a threat. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow legislators on this resolution and guiding it through the rest of the legislative process.”
Hoosier lawmakers have debated changing the state’s constitutional right to bail for years, framing the issue as a balance between public safety and civil liberties, The Indiana Capital Chronicle reported. Supporters have argued the current system forces judges to release defendants who pose clear risks, while opponents warn expanded detention authority could disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
The House also voted 63-23 to pass Senate Bill 3, which would establish the wording of Public Question 1. The Senate voted to pass the measure last month. Lauer, Lucas, Meltzer, Koch and Walker all voted in favor of the bill, which now goes to Gov. Mike Braun for consideration.
According to SB 3, Public Question 1 would inform voters that, “Currently, under the Constitution of the State of Indiana, a person charged with murder or treason is not entitled to be released on bail if the proof is evident or the presumption strong.”
Voters would then be asked a yes or no question:
“Shall the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to provide that a person charged with an offense other than murder or treason is not entitled to bail if: (1) the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community.”
