A Texas Senate committee has approved a set of bills aimed at tightening bail restrictions, potentially keeping more defendants accused of violent crimes in custody before trial.
Senate Bill 9, introduced by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), expands on existing bail restrictions by adding four new offenses to the list of those ineligible for release on personal bonds: unlawful firearm possession, violating a family violence protective order, terroristic threats, and fentanyl-related murder. Additionally, Huffman is proposing Senate Joint Resolution 5, a constitutional amendment that would empower judges to deny bail for suspects facing charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping, robbery, or assault with a deadly weapon.
Another measure, Senate Joint Resolution 1, dubbed “Jocelyn’s Law,” would bar judges from granting bail to illegal immigrants charged with felonies. The resolution is named after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was murdered in Houston last year by two illegal immigrants from Venezuela, according to authorities.
The legislative package, which passed the Senate committee unanimously, now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has signaled strong support for the measures, warning that failure to pass them in the House could prompt multiple special legislative sessions.
Opponents, including civil rights organizations, warn that the proposed changes could exacerbate overcrowding in Texas jails and create disparities in the justice system, disproportionately affecting those unable to afford bail. The ACLU of Texas has argued that the legislation prioritizes detention over due process, particularly for lower-income defendants.
Despite concerns from critics, Gov. Greg Abbott has made bail reform a top priority, arguing that stronger bail laws are necessary to prevent repeat offenders from endangering public safety. If approved by the Legislature, the constitutional amendments would require approval from Texas voters in a statewide election.
