Following Assembly vote, N.J. voters to decide on bail overhaul

New Jersey lawmakers have agreed to let voters decide on a key part of an overhaul of the state’s bail system.

The Assembly voted Monday to put forth a constitutional amendment to eliminate the right to bail for all people accused of crimes. They also passed a law laying out other major changes to the bail system.

Proponents say they want to keep suspects who are deemed violent behind bars before their trials and at the same time let low-level offenders go free even if they cannot afford a hefty bail payment.

Gov. Chris Christie backs the changes and last week called a special legislative session to push lawmakers to act on them.

The Senate already approved the amendment and the law.

The amendment will be on ballots in November.