Both Governor Greg Abbott and House Republicans targeted bail reform as one of the top issues to be tackled by the legislature. The Caucus has also taken up several strong Criminal Justice Reform measures to sharpen the focus of our courts and public safety to better serve Texans. Below is a look at the criminal justice and bail reform bills passed in the House so far this session:
#HB20 by state Rep. Andrew Murr, also known as the Damon Allen Act, makes significant reforms to the bail-setting process. Read more about that bill here: https://www.texashousecaucus.com/post/texas-house-sends-bail-reform-omnibus-to-senate
#HB1293 by state Rep. John Smithee authorizes a defendant to file, with the consent of the district attorney or criminal district attorney, a motion for a new trial with the convicting court. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1293
#HB1340 by state Rep. Jeff Leach requires that a conspirator meet certain conditions in order to be convicted of capital murder, and it lays out requirements for imposing the death sentence. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1340
#HB1441 by state Rep. Matt Schaefer raises the standard of proof that must be met in order to forfeit property to include clear and convincing evidence. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1441
#HB1938 by state Rep. Jacey Jetton establishes a grant program to help law enforcement agencies cover the costs of storing body-worn camera footage. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB1938
#HB3712 by state Rep. Ed Thompson ensures that law enforcement agencies are properly conducting pre-employment investigations and developing model hiring policies and training curriculum for peace officers. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HB3712
#HJR4 by state Rep. Kyle Kacal proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the denial of bail for an accused person to ensure the person’s appearance in court and the safety of the community, law enforcement, and the victim. Read more about that bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=HJR4
#HB569 by state Rep. Scott Sanford relates to to credit toward payment of a fine and costs for certain misdemeanants confined in jail or prison before sentencing. It's part of the Speaker's CJR package and just passed the senate today.
#HB2558/#SB19 by state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione to prohibit government contracts with companies that discriminate against #2A industries. Read more on the bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&Bill=SB19
To learn more about other conservative victories in the House this session, click on the article links below.
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