New bill pushes for transparency in courtrooms, requiring judges to justify bail releases
More accountability for judges could be coming to a courthouse near you.
Proposed legislation in Olympia, HB 1252, would force judges to give a written rationale for their bail release determinations in some instances - that's according to Rep. Lauren Davis (D) of the 32nd Legislative District.
Davis, the lead sponsor, said it passed out of the Community Safety Committee, nearly unanimous with one dissenting vote. In short, she said the legislation would require judges to "show their work."
"Really justify their determination. Is this person safe? And if they believe this person is safe, why? Prove it!" Davis said Wednesday.
She added the written rationale would be public, and the judicial officer would specifically be required to explain on paper how the safety of the public is going to be ensured and how the defendant's future appearance is going to be ensured.
--------------------------------------------------
For more on the lead story: https://komonews.com/news/loca....l/proposed-legislati
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
KOMO News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KOMONews/
KOMO News on Twitter: https://twitter.com/komonews
KOMO News on Instagram: http://instagram.com/komo4
KOMO News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@komo4seattle
Subscribe to KOMO on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channe....l/UC__2_0RJ8XnHt2ang
Watch more top local news stories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G97AyNO_3IE&list=PLZm7uq7_dyY6qhFFIwgXRvYpkaOnZEabc&index=2&t=0s
For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit http://www.komonews.com/
Watch our live newscasts and other live video at https://komonews.com/watch
Download our iOS App: https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap....p/komo-news-mobile/i
Download our Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newssynergy.komo&hl=en
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: tips@komonews.com
Call the Newsroom: 206.404.4000
KOMO News (ABC 4) provides the latest breaking news, sports, weather, traffic, and local event coverage in the Seattle and Western Washington/Puget Sound area including Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Kent, Tacoma, Bellingham, Yakima, and surrounding communities.
#komo #komonews #komo4 #komo4news #seattle #seattlenews #washingtonnews #transparency #judges #bail #court #justice #court
Michelle Esteban
This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com