/tags/bail-reform bail reform en-US Copyright Tue, 20 May 2025 14:54:58 GMT /criminal-justice/2025-05-20/criminal-justice-2025-05-20-521773-three-bail-reform-measures-advance-in-texas-house The measures, all authored by Houston Sen. Joan Huffman, include a proposed constitutional amendment that would bar people in the country without legal status from being released on bond if accused of a range of serious felonies. Tue, 20 May 2025 14:54:58 GMT /criminal-justice/2025-05-20/criminal-justice-2025-05-20-521773-three-bail-reform-measures-advance-in-texas-house Andrew Schneider /texas-news/2025-05-20/stricter-bail-rules-advance-through-texas-house-which-had-blocked-an-overhaul-in-previous-sessions The House advanced a measure that would ask voters to amend the state Constitution to tighten the state’s bail laws, setting up a major policy win for Gov. Greg Abbott. Tue, 20 May 2025 10:31:51 GMT /texas-news/2025-05-20/stricter-bail-rules-advance-through-texas-house-which-had-blocked-an-overhaul-in-previous-sessions Kayla Guo | The Texas Tribune /criminal-justice/2025-03-19/cash-bail-reform-bills-texas-legislature-house-senate An emotional, 10-hour-long Texas House committee meeting Tuesday highlighted the stark divide between lawmakers and the public on the state's bail system, a legislative priority this session. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:45:59 GMT /criminal-justice/2025-03-19/cash-bail-reform-bills-texas-legislature-house-senate Toluwani Osibamowo, Blaise Gainey | Texas Newsroom /criminal-justice/2025-02-19/texas-lawmakers-bail-reform-bill-package-heads-to-house-after-easy-path-through-senate-criminal-justice The Texas Senate passed a trio of legislation from Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) on Wednesday aimed at tightening rules around bail in Texas. The proposals, which are among Gov. Greg Abbott's top priorities this year, now head to the House for consideration. Wed, 19 Feb 2025 22:48:23 GMT /criminal-justice/2025-02-19/texas-lawmakers-bail-reform-bill-package-heads-to-house-after-easy-path-through-senate-criminal-justice Nina Banks, Toluwani Osibamowo /criminal-justice/2025-02-12/bail-reform-texas-legislature-senate-criminal-justice-committee-immigration-harris-county Members of the Texas Senate's Criminal Justice Committee heard testimony Wednesday on five bail-related bills aimed at tightening rules on who gets bail and how it's set. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 21:28:25 GMT /criminal-justice/2025-02-12/bail-reform-texas-legislature-senate-criminal-justice-committee-immigration-harris-county Toluwani Osibamowo /texas-news/2024-04-01/how-texas-cash-bail-system-and-under-resourced-jails-can-wreak-havoc-on-women-who-are-poor In Texas, money can make a difference in how much time people who are legally presumed innocent sit behind bars awaiting the outcome of criminal cases. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:48:08 GMT /texas-news/2024-04-01/how-texas-cash-bail-system-and-under-resourced-jails-can-wreak-havoc-on-women-who-are-poor Madaleine Rubin | The Texas Tribune /criminal-justice/2023-03-08/texas-bail-reform-crime This November, Texas voters could decide whether judges can deny bail for certain violent and sexual offenders. Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:35:49 GMT /criminal-justice/2023-03-08/texas-bail-reform-crime Toluwani Osibamowo /texas-news/2021-06-03/here-are-some-key-bills-that-died-in-the-87th-texas-legislature-at-least-temporarily Leading casualties of the regular session included the omnibus elections bill, bail reform, and the George Floyd Act. But Gov. Greg Abbott has promised special sessions that could revive some GOP priorities. Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:00:56 GMT /texas-news/2021-06-03/here-are-some-key-bills-that-died-in-the-87th-texas-legislature-at-least-temporarily Andrew Schneider / Houston Public Media /government/2021-04-15/texas-senate-approves-bail-bill-that-would-keep-more-people-in-jail-if-they-cant-post-cash-bonds Senate Bill 21 would require cash bail for people who have ever been convicted of a violent crime. Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:00:33 GMT /government/2021-04-15/texas-senate-approves-bail-bill-that-would-keep-more-people-in-jail-if-they-cant-post-cash-bonds Jolie McCullough | The Texas Tribune /texas-news/2021-02-11/gov-greg-abbott-prioritized-changing-how-bail-is-set-he-isnt-addressing-people-stuck-in-jail-because-they-cant-afford-to-pay Multiple federal courts have found Texas' cash bail practices discriminatory against poor people. The governor has said his priority bill will instead focus on keeping "dangerous criminals" in jail before they're convicted. Thu, 11 Feb 2021 14:16:37 GMT /texas-news/2021-02-11/gov-greg-abbott-prioritized-changing-how-bail-is-set-he-isnt-addressing-people-stuck-in-jail-because-they-cant-afford-to-pay Jolie McCullough | Texas Tribune