A proposed constitutional amendment to reform the state's bail bond system has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The amendment, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Peter Wirth, of Santa Fe, proposes allowing judges to deny bail to dangerous defendants and granting pretrial release to low-risk defendants who are being held because they are too poor to make bond.
The New Mexico Association of Counties says an assessment of jails shows 39 percent of inmates on averaage are eligible for bail but haven't posted bond.
Wirth's proposal has garnered bipartisan endorsements, but came under scrutiny during lengthy debate Monday.
Sen. Richard Martinez, an Espanola Democrat and committee chairman, questioned whether the amendment is needed while bail bondsmen said releasing low-level defendants without bail could carry unforeseen safety and financial costs.
The committee vote was 7-2.
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