Overview

• The Texas House has approved a constitutional amendment requiring automatic bail denial for violent crimes unless clear evidence shows the defendant poses no flight risk or danger.
• Senate Bill 9 expands cash bond requirements to include offenses like unlawful firearm possession, terroristic threats, and fentanyl-related murders, allowing prosecutors to appeal bail amounts.
• Senate Bill 40 prohibits the use of taxpayer funds by municipalities to bail out defendants, passing with a 113-30 vote.
• Senate Joint Resolution 1, targeting undocumented immigrants accused of serious felonies, advanced but awaits a third reading and Senate concurrence.
• The reforms, a priority for Gov. Greg Abbott, face criticism from civil rights groups warning of due process violations and potential inequities for low-income defendants.