4.8.08 PEN

Should the State Legislature Tell the Judiciary How to Set Bail?

A bill to set bail at $50,000 for persons accused of drunk driving and eluding police in a vehicle, in the same incident, is a test of the House’s commitment to the constitution’s separation of powers, according to Representatives Morgan Carroll(D) and Doug Bruce(R). HB08-1377, sponsored by Representative Steve King(R) and Senator Josh Penry(R), tells judges to set the $50,000 bail bond, although the bill was amended to also tell judges to use their discretion in these cases. (more…)