Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Washington State House has passed a constitutional amendment to make it easier for judges to deny bail.

The vote comes in the wake of the shooting deaths of four Lakewood police officers last November.

Maurice Clemmons, the man police say committed the crimes, had recently bailed out of jail.

Republican State Representative Mike Hope, a Seattle police officer, sponsored the legislation.Mike Hope: "Fellow legislators, this is the only thing that really, really could have prevented the Lakewood police shootings. The only thing, the only piece of legislation that we are going to pass that could have actually physically prevented and stopped that tragedy."

The constitutional amendment would allow judges to withhold bail in cases where the defendant faces a possible life prison sentence.

Currently, Washington judges can only deny bail in capital cases.

The measure passed with 17 dissenting votes. It next goes to the Senate.

If it clears the legislature, Washington voters will be asked to ratify the constitutional amendment this November.