Texas
House Passes Bill To Raise Age Of Criminal Responsibility From 17 to 18
Posted on · The "Raise the Age" bill, would move 17-year-old offenders from the adult criminal justice system to its juvenile justice counterpart beginning 2021.
News
Advocates Hope To End Policy In Texas Of Jailing Poor For Unpaid Fines
Posted on · Thousands of Texans are at risk of being arrested at any given moment for not paying fines often related to traffic offenses or other city ordinance violations, according to a recent report.
News
Texas House Committee Report Lays Foundation For ‘Sandra Bland Act’
Posted on · The Sandra Bland Act would address race, poverty, mental health and accountability in law enforcement and corrections, its author says.
Politics
$25 Million Proposal Would Fund Bulletproof Vests For Patrol Officers In Texas
Posted on · Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants lawmakers to pass a $25 million grant program to pay for bulletproof vests for all patrol officers in Texas.
Politics
Rodney Ellis Leaves Texas Senate With Criminal Justice Legacy
Posted on · The 2017 legislative session will open without former state Sen. Rodney Ellis, a 26-year lawmaker who became a criminal justice reform titan in the upper chamber.
News
At ‘Day With Dad’ Prison Event, Leaping Hugs And Difficult Discussions
Posted on · As their children slowly gathered on the other side of the gym, the 29 reserved men instantly transformed into 29 gleaming dads. For some of the fathers, this may be their only chance to see their children all year.
News
Texas Senator Wants Teens To Learn What To Do During Police Stops
Posted on · "Comply, then complain" and similar phrases could become all too familiar to Texas' newest drivers, as lawmakers work this week to push two solutions to the rift between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
News
Sandra Bland’s Family Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Posted on · The family of Sandra Bland — who died last year in a Waller County Jail cell — has reached a settlement with Texas officials in a wrongful death lawsuit, a lawyer for the family said Thursday.
Politics
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Waller County Over Gun Ban
Posted on · Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Waller County over its ban on guns at its courthouse.
News
Trooper In Sandra Bland Case Set For Arraignment
Posted on · Brian Encinia's arraignment on a perjury charge will be held in March, the Waller County District Clerk's office confirmed.
News
Arraignment Set For DPS Trooper Who Arrested Sandra Bland
Posted on · Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Brian Encinia will appear in a Waller County courtroom on March 23 for his arraignment on a perjury charge related to his arrest of Sandra Bland, according to the county clerk
News
Grand Jury To Reconvene Over Sandra Bland Case
Posted on · A Waller County grand jury will meet again Wednesday to continue considering charges in connection with the arrest and death of Sandra Bland.