Feb 27 2025 71 mins
On this episode of The Bail Post, we discuss the major bail bills pending before the Texas Legislature. There are two proposed constitutional amendments: SJR 1 and SJR 5. There are also two bills: SB 9 and SB 40.
SJR 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment that states if you are charged with a felony and you are in Texas illegally and did not enter a port of entry properly, then you are not entitled to bail. The House companion is HJR 16.
SJR 5 is a proposed constitutional amendment to expand preventative detention to give judges the discretion to deny bail for certain third time felons. The House companion is HJR 15.
SB 40 states that no government funds may be given to a non-profit for the purposes of posted bail by a charitable bail fund. The House companion is HB 76.
SB 9 is a major bill that made up of changes to the bail process, adds new charges to the list of offenses to which no personal bond may be granted and makes minor changes to the charitable bail fund statute. The House companion is HB 75.
You can see these bills HERE.
These bills appear to be on the fast track. They already have been voted out of the Texas Senate and are part of the Governor's priority items which means that they may have hearings, be considered and be voted on before March 15th.
Join us as we highlight these important bills and where they are in the legislative process.