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Gov. Christie Demands Quick Legislative Action on Bail Reform

By David Madden

 

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- Governor Chris Christie has summoned legislators to Trenton tomorrow for a special session to address his efforts to reform the bail system in New Jersey.

He met with reporters today to explain his urgency surrounding the issue.

After 2½ years working on bipartisan legislation and a proposed change to the state constitution, Christie says, the time to act is now.

"Legislators are running the risk of running out the clock in getting this done for an entire other year.  That's just not responsible and it's not acceptable," the governor said today.

The changes would make it easier to release those charged with nonviolent crimes on affordable bail, while prohibiting bail for the worst offenders who could afford to get out.

Assembly speaker Vincent Prieto calls the effort "a work in progress" and says his members will act on it when they're ready.

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