The Brief
- New Bail Powers for Judges: A proposed constitutional change would let Texas judges deny bail for more violent crimes starting September 1.
- PR Bonds Restricted: Magistrates could no longer grant PR bonds for violent felonies or to defendants on parole.
- Media Impact: The Breaking Bond series highlighted cases like Dominique Menefee’s, helping drive the push for reform.
HOUSTON – Come September 1, what judges and magistrates can do, will change drastically.
Texas bail reform package changes coming
What we know:
“Under current statute, the only offense a judge can deny bond flat out, is capital murder and that’s only if the state is seeking the death penalty,” said Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers.
Voters can change that come Election Day in November. If approved, the state’s constitution will change giving judges more discretion. They could deny bond for any violent charge for public safety concerns.…