Senate Judiciary Chair Todd Gardenhire blasted a constitutional amendment to the state’s bail law, saying it will pack county jails and put local governments in a financial bind.
Senators passed the measure 6-3, but not before the Chattanooga Republican lambasted it Tuesday. The resolution would amend the constitution by expanding the list of crimes in which judges have discretion to set bail. Under current law, judges have the authority to decline bail only for capital murder.
Gardenhire, who was ill early in the session, prefaced his comments by challenging House leaders who might question whether he is “soft on crime” and noted he was criticized last year. House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, is sponsoring the House version of the bill and has been outspoken about the need to put constraints on Shelby County and Memphis.
The bill is designed to target Shelby County, Gardenhire said, but he noted he’s worried about “unintended consequences,” especially for rural counties that might have to raise taxes to expand or build new jails.