Overview

• The Texas Senate passed four bail-related bills, including Senate Bill 9, which would eliminate cashless bonds for defendants charged with certain offenses like firearm possession, terroristic threats, and fentanyl-related murders.
• A constitutional amendment, named Jocelyn's Law, seeks to prohibit bail for undocumented immigrants charged with felonies, citing public safety concerns following high-profile cases.
• Critics argue the changes will exacerbate overcrowded jails, disproportionately affect low-income defendants, and raise constitutional issues, particularly regarding immigration status-based bail denial.
• Supporters, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, emphasize the need for stricter bail policies to prevent repeat offenses and address perceived leniency in Harris County courts.
• The bills now move to the Texas House, where they face debate and potential revisions, with some Democrats signaling openness to specific provisions despite broader concerns.