To the Editor:
In the early hours of the morning, Senate Democrat lawmakers rammed through a 764-page criminal justice reform proposal disguised under a new bill number. But, the public will not be fooled. While no longer contained in House Bill 163, this criminal justice reform proposal remains a real and present threat to the safety and wellbeing of our law enforcement personnel, our families and our communities.
This measure endangers the safety of our citizens and makes it harder for law enforcement to carry out their jobs. There's no denying it, this measure will put dangerous and violent offenders back on the streets and threatens the safety of the public. It's extreme and inexcusable.
While I wish I could say that I am shocked and dismayed that my Democrat colleagues would think this is how reform proposals should be handled in this chamber, I know better. This is business as usual to push bad and dangerous legislation in the 11th hour, without public input or adequate time to fully vet and understand the full consequences of this proposal.
This is not how our system of government is supposed to work. These types of shenanigans do not lead to a healthy democracy and, in this instance, they make our law enforcement personnel, our families, and our communities less safe.
House Bill 3563 passed the Senate by a vote of 32 to 23.
State Sen. Jason Plummer, Republican, 54th District