3-23-23 wisconsin lawmakers pass bill to clarify cash bail amendment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature is moving to clarify when a proposed constitutional amendment to make it harder for people to go free on bail before trial would apply. The proposed amendment on the April ballot would let judges consider the criminal histories of people accused of violent crimes when setting bail. Both chambers of the Legislature passed a bill on Wednesday that would define more than 100 offenses as violent crimes. The measure would only go into effect if Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signs it into law and a majority of the state’s voters approve the bail amendment on April 4.