Mobile, AL Backs Measure That May Actually Reduce Violence

By Tom Knighton

The city of Mobile, Alabama has the same problem as many other cities these days. Namely, people are being shot far too often for anyone’s comfort. Also, like other cities, they’re looking for potential solutions.

Where Mobile differs from so many other places, though, is just where they’re looking for solutions.

While places like Pittsburgh are banning guns in an attempt to avoid another black swan event, Mobile is looking at a solution that’s far more constructive.

Mobile city officials, in an effort to address a rash of recent gun violence, could be looking at supporting a proposed constitutional amendment that would give judges the authority to deny bail to someone viewed as a risk to reoffend.

Council members are looking at HB282, sponsored by state Rep. Chip Hill, R-Mobile. The proposal, if endorsed by the Legislature this session, would require a vote during the 2020 general election.

If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would give more flexibility for judges to detain someone in jail who is viewed as a public safety risk.

Alabama’s 118-year-old Constitution allows everyone who is arrested, and not convicted of a crime, the opportunity for bail unless the person is charged with a capital offense and …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms