Wisconsin Republicans offering clarity on proposed amendment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — As promised, Wisconsin Republicans are offering clarity on when judges might apply a proposed amendment that would make it harder for violent criminals to go free on bail. The proposed amendment that the Republican-controlled Legislature fast-tracked to the April ballot would allow courts to consider a defendant’s past convictions for violent crimes when setting bail, but state law offers several definitions for what constitutes a violent crime. The amendment’s sponsors on Friday circulated a bill that would provide a clear list of which crimes judges could look at. If the Legislature passes the definition, it will only go into effect if voters approve the proposed amendment in April.