SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker has asked the House to suspend action on a proposed constitutional amendment he drafted to allow judges to deny bail to defendants deemed a flight-risk and danger to the public.
Rep. David Adkins' proposal had been scheduled for a state House floor vote Wednesday. It countered a version first put forward by Sen. Peter Wirth, a Santa Fe Democrat, that has garnered some bipartisan support and endorsements from criminal defense and district attorneys associations, and judges.
Wirth proposes allowing judges to deny bail to certain defendants and grant pretrial release to those who aren't considered a danger but remain in jail because they can't afford bail.
Adkins said addressing pretrial release for poor, nonviolent offenders could wait. Bail bondsmen backed his proposal, indicating Wirth's bill would undermine their business, and pose unforeseen financial and public safety costs.