~ Houston, Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law a comprehensive bail reform package at Crime Stoppers of Houston, marking a significant step towards protecting Texans from violent and repeat offenders. The Governor was joined by dozens of bail reform advocates and families of victims as he signed Senate Bill 9, Senate Bill 40, House Bill 75, and Senate Joint Resolution 5.

During the bill signing ceremony, Governor Abbott addressed the pressing issue of a flawed bail system that has repeatedly released dangerous criminals back onto the streets. "This session, we confronted a crisis," said Governor Abbott. "A revolving door bail system that repeatedly released dangerous criminals back onto the streets." He also expressed his gratitude to the victims and their families for their tireless efforts in bringing about change. "To the victims and their families, today your pain is answered," he said.

The Governor emphasized that these new laws not only correct past wrongs but also pave the way for a constitutional amendment to ensure that violent offenders are not granted bail. "Not only are we signing laws that correct the wrongs, your efforts have led to a rewriting of the Constitution of the State of Texas to ensure criminals like those who harmed your families will never be out on the loose again," he stated.

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The bill signing ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Chairwoman Joan Huffman, Chairman John Smithee, Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Makarious, Crime Stoppers of Houston Director of Victim Services and Advocacy Andy Kahan, and bail reform advocate Aimee Castillo.

Castillo's brother Joshua Sandoval was tragically murdered by a criminal who was out on bond for aggravated robbery in Fort Bend County and two other felony bonds in Harris County. Devan Jordan failed to appear in court for violating his bond conditions on the same day he shot and killed Joshua. After being charged with capital murder, Devan was once again let out on bond and went on to murder Jeffrey Johnson two weeks later. "We encountered the revolving door at the Harris County Courthouse," said Ms. Castillo. "There is something deeply, tragically wrong with a system that gives repeat, violent felony offenders chance after chance, while families like mine are given a life sentence of grief."

The Governor was also joined by Senator Mayes Middleton, Representative David Cook, Representative Caroline Harris Davila, Representative Lacey Hull, Representative Mitch Little, Representative AJ Louderback, Representative Mary Ann Perez, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman F. Martin, and other state and local officials.

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Senate Bill 9 (Huffman/Smithee) gives prosecutors the ability to appeal bad bail decisions made in cases involving the most heinous crimes and repeat felons. This bill also ensures that only elected judges may reduce the amount or conditions of a bail set by an elected judge.

Senate Bill 40 (Huffman/Smithee) prohibits the use of public funds to pay a nonprofit organization that will then post bail for criminals.

House Bill 75 (Smithee/Huffman) ensures transparency in the initial stages of a criminal case by requiring magistrates to provide a written explanation for determining an arrest was made without probable cause.

Senate Joint Resolution 5 (Huffman/Smithee) is a constitutional amendment that will require judges to deny bail to defendants charged with heinous crimes such as rape, murder, and human trafficking if they are deemed a threat to public safety or unlikely to show up for trial.

In his 2025 State of the State Address, Governor Abbott declared bail reform an emergency item this legislative session. With these new laws in place, Texans can feel safer knowing that violent and repeat offenders will be kept behind bars.

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