NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State Rep. Vincent Dixie plans to urge voters to reject Tennessee’s proposed Amendment 1 at a news conference Wednesday, Oct. 14, the first day of early voting. The Nashville Democrat represents House District 54. The constitutional amendment would expand judges’ authority to deny bail before trial when the proof against a defendant is evident or the presumption of guilt is great. The listed charges include terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, aggravated rape of a child and grave torture. The measure also covers other offenses for which a person convicted would be required to serve at least 85% of the sentence before release. Amendment 1 concerns pretrial release, not a determination of guilt. Judges could still grant bail in covered cases, but would have to put their reasons for granting or denying it on the record. Dixie’s office argues that detention before trial can cost people their jobs and housing and create hardship for their families. It also points to taxpayer costs and says nearly 40% of Tennessee cases are dismissed, though the announcement provided no source or time period for that figure. Supporters say the amendment would give judges another tool to hold people accused of serious crimes while their cases proceed. Opponents have raised concerns about jail capacity, detention expenses and the consequences of keeping people who have not been convicted behind bars. The state’s fiscal note estimates a one-time local cost of $9,400 to print a larger sample ballot. It does not estimate potential additional jail or court costs associated with expanded pretrial detention. Early voting runs through Oct. 29. Election Day is Nov. 3.