"In a strong bipartisan effort, Republicans and Democrats voted 29-2, clearly indicating that violent offenders should not be permitted to roam freely in our communities."
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the bipartisan passage of the Bail Reform Senate Joint Resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 5, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:
"Today, the Texas Senate passed SJR 5, a resolution that is part of a larger bail reform package approved yesterday. Sponsored by Senator Joan Huffman, SJR 5 grants magistrates and judges the authority to deny bail to the most violent offenders who pose a dangerous threat to public safety.
"In a strong bipartisan effort, Republicans and Democrats voted 29-2, clearly indicating that violent offenders should not be permitted to roam freely in our communities.
"Since the Senate first passed a version of this resolution in January 2021, there have been at least 162 homicide cases filed in Harris County alone involving defendants who were released on one or more criminal case bonds at the time they committed a new murder offense.
"The Senate has passed bail reform legislation in every session for the past six years but, unfortunately, every single bail reform bill has died in the Texas House. The Texas Senate will continue to pass this bail reform package until the Texas House takes action.
"Repeat offenders should not be allowed to roam freely, continuing their crime sprees and causing chaos across our state.
"The Texas Senate has listened to the concerns of Texans statewide whose lives have been destroyed by criminals released on low bonds or no bonds at all set by irresponsible judges or magistrates," said Patrick.
"I would like to thank Senator Joan Huffman for her unwavering commitment to bail reform and public safety, as well as for her effective leadership in carrying this important joint resolution."
SJR 5, by Sen. Joan Huffman, if approved by voters in the November 2025 constitutional amendment election, amends Article I, Section 11 of the Texas Constitution to give magistrates and judges the ability to deny bail to the most violent offenders who pose a dangerous threat to public safety.
Specifically, individuals accused of committing violent offenses, first-degree felony sexual offenses, or continuous human trafficking.
