Overview

• The Texas House approved a constitutional amendment granting judges broader authority to deny bail for defendants accused of serious violent crimes, pending voter approval in November.
• A separate amendment targeting undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes advanced but fell short of final approval in the House, requiring further deliberation.
• The reforms mandate written justifications for bail decisions and include tighter rules for bond settings, aligning with Gov. Greg Abbott's public safety priorities.
• Critics, including civil rights groups, warn the immigrant-focused amendment could affect legal residents like DACA recipients and exacerbate disparities for low-income defendants.
• The measures, spurred by high-profile crimes and bipartisan negotiations, represent a significant step in Texas's ongoing efforts to address bail reform.