As part of a reform package that would include changes to criminal bail bond policies in Texas, Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) has proposed adding a layer of transparency in cases where charges are dismissed for a “lack of probable cause.”
Under current code, even after the local district attorney’s office accepts charges, a hearing officer — often an appointed magistrate — may find the case lacks either probable cause or enough evidence to proceed, but does not provide any explanation to prosecutors or law enforcement officers.
