Republican Gov. Chris Christie will prod New Jersey lawmakers Wednesday to overhaul the state’s bail system, offering a diversion from the high-profile executive’s efforts to grapple with public-pension funding.
The governor, considered a frontrunner for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination before the George Washington Bridge toll lane scandal set him back, will tout his proposals from the statehouse in Trenton, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
There are two measures up for debate, one that would let judges deny bail to defendants they consider to be dangerous or flight risks, or could obstruct justice while out, according to the report.
The other would create non-monetary alternatives for release, pending trial, for low-income defendants who can’t pony up the cash for a low bail.
Lawmakers are scheduled to consider the measure at a special session on Thursday, the Star-Ledger reports.
The governor pushed his measures in a Twitter message, posting, “Come on NJ, let’s not bail on bail reform,” with a link to a webpage that helps people find their legislator.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.