Tennessee lawmakers propose change to state constitution

A group of Tennessee lawmakers say they want to change the state’s constitution to prevent crime. They want to allow judges the option of denying bail for people accused of more than just murder. Speaker Cameron Sexton made this announcement at a press conference Friday alongside other state and local leaders. The Constitution of Tennessee currently requires a judge to set bail for anyone charged with a crime, except for capital offenses, like first-degree murder. House Speaker Sexton wants to expand that for cases like second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and rape of a child. Sexton says the language is still being finalized. If approved by the legislature, the amendment would not appear on a ballot until 2026.