Constitutional amendment would target bail in criminal cases

Driving the news: Sexton framed the effort as an attempt to fight violent crime. Republican lawmakers have focused for years on hardening criminal law through tougher sentences and other measures.

• The House speaker announced the constitutional amendment push last week alongside Democrats including the Memphis mayor and district attorney.

Between the lines: Sexton said the details of the proposal are still being discussed and will be filed soon. He said it would apply to violent charges such as second-degree murder or aggravated kidnapping.

• He also emphasized that the amendment would give judges discretion to deny bail rather than setting requirements.

State of play: Changing the state constitution is a long and complicated process that would take years. It requires multiple rounds of signoffs from lawmakers in addition to a statewide vote.

• The Tennessee Journal reported the earliest the amendment would be on the ballot is November 2026.