Houston Matters
FBI Investigating Constable’s Office (July 12, 2021)
Posted on · On Monday's show: An FBI investigation of the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, your Houston pet peeves, and an update on local sports.
Tag: bail reform
Houston Matters
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Discusses ICE Nomination, Crime Increase On Houston Matters
Posted on · During an interview on Houston Matters Tuesday, the sheriff touched on bail reform, the increase in violent crime and driving incidents during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.Â
Politics
Here Are Some Key Bills That Died In The 87th Texas Legislature — At Least Temporarily
Posted on · Leading casualties of the regular session included the omnibus elections bill, bail reform, and the George Floyd Act. But Gov. Greg Abbott has promised special sessions that could revive some GOP priorities.
Politics
GOP Priority Bail Bill Dies In Texas House After Democrats Walk Out On Voting Bill
Posted on · House Bill 20 would have made it harder for arrestees to get out of jail without cash and limited charitable bail funds’ ability to post bond for people. Gov. Greg Abbott said bail legislation will be included in a special session.
Criminal Justice
Bail Reform Appears On The Verge Of Passage In Texas Legislature
Posted on · The House and Senate still need to close a large gap between their competing bills over the next few days before the session ends, but advocates and opponents both say that’s likely to happen.
Criminal Justice
11th-Hour Change To Texas Bail Reform Bill Wouldn’t Provide Protections For The Poor
Posted on · State Senator Joan Huffman substituted her own bill, Senate Bill 21, for House Bill 20 when it reached her committee – stripping out Democratic amendments
Criminal Justice
Texas House Passes Bill Making It Harder To Bond Out Of Jail
Posted on · House Bill 20, also known as the Damon Allen Act, passed the House on a voice vote and appeared to have bipartisan support. It included amendments by a number of Democratic members.
Criminal Justice
Bail Reform Bill Could Impose Legal, Fiscal Costs On Harris County
Posted on · House Bill 20, which would tighten the state’s bail requirements, will come up for a vote on the Texas House floor on Monday.
Criminal Justice
More People Are Violating Felony Bonds In Houston. No One Can Agree On A Solution
Posted on · County officials, researchers and victim advocates are concerned with an increase in violent crimes committed by defendants out on bond.
Criminal Justice
Harris County Leaders Vote To Condemn GOP-Backed Bail Legislation In The Texas Senate
Posted on · Harris County Commissioners voted 3-2 along party lines to denounce Senate Bill 21, authored by State Senator Joan Huffman, R-Houston.
Criminal Justice
Proposed GOP Bail Legislation Would Put Harris County At Legal Risk, Texas Senators Hear
Posted on · SB 21, authored by State Senator Joan Huffman, would make it harder for people previously accused of violent offenses to obtain bail.
Criminal Justice
Texas Republican Lawmakers Take Aim At Local Bail Practices This Legislative Session
Posted on · Gov. Greg Abbott is banking on a version of reform that makes it harder for people accused of violent crimes to bond out, while ignoring Harris County-style efforts to ease the burden on indigent defendants.
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott Unveils Legislative Priorities, Including Police Funding, ‘Election Integrity,’ Expanding Broadband Access And More
Posted on · Gov. Greg Abbott designated five emergency items, which are matters the Legislature can vote on within the first 60 days of the session that began Jan. 12.
News
HPD Chief Acevedo Calls 2020 A ‘Perfect Storm’ For Rising Homicide Rate
Posted on · Chief Art Acevedo attributed Houston's spike in homicides this year to a combination of factors, including the pandemic and the number of people released on bond.
Criminal Justice
Suspected Houston Cop Killer Was Out On Low Bond. But Is It A Systemic Problem?
Posted on · The man accused of killing a Houston police sergeant this week was out on a $100 bond for a weapons violation.