Fitzgerald, Johnson, Introduce Pretrial Release Reporting Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) and U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) introduced the Pretrial Release Reporting Act to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a report to Congress within 180 days detailing information on individuals released on bail and pretrial release from state courts charged with violent felony offenses.

Jurisdictions across the country have modified their bail practices to eliminate or deemphasize the use of monetary bail systems. The consequences of Milwaukee County’s soft bail policies were put on display when the Waukesha Christmas Parade was attacked and six innocent lives were taken. These policies, coupled with efforts to decrease police funding, have made our communities less safe.

“Nearly two years ago, the community of Waukesha was shaken to its core by the devastating attack on our annual Christmas parade by a violent criminal released on low bail, said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald.  This tragedy could have been avoided if not for those in our community who have prioritized their own personal ideology over public safety. We must hold those responsible for allowing dangerous individuals back on the streets accountable for their actions. This legislation would bring much-needed transparency to the pre-trial release of violent criminals.”

“Democrat catch and release policies have tragic consequences. In Wisconsin, six innocent people lost their lives and 62 others were injured during the Waukesha Christmas Parade because a violent criminal was released on low bail, said Senator Ron Johnson. The Pretrial Release Reporting Act will bring transparency the American public deserves, revealing how often violent offenders are released on minimal or no bail, endangering communities.”

Read the bill here

Cosponsors:
Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), and Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07)

Supporting Organizations:
National Association of Police Organizations, National Police Association, Heritage Action for America, American Bail Coalition, Wisconsin Professional Police Association

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.