Three bail reform measures filed by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and prioritized by both Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sailed through the Texas Senate with bipartisan support Wednesday, including a proposal that would require judges to hold illegal immigrants charged with felony crimes without bail.
“Across Texas, and specifically in Harris County, repeat and violent offenders, including those here illegally, are being released on personal recognizance or very low bail by judges and magistrates who disregard offenders’ violent history,” Patrick said in a statement following the vote. “This puts Texas communities and law enforcement at risk. Repeat offenders must not be allowed to roam freely, continuing their crime sprees and wreaking havoc across our state.”
