WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) reintroduced 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. This information would inform Congress and the American public on the bail policies of their state courts and the frequency of violent offenders that are released on bail into their communities.

"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."

"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."

Read the full text of the bill here.

Senator Johnson is joined on the bill by cosponsors Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sen. Rick Scott (R-F.L.) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).

Supporting Organizations:

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

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