Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to set a minimum amount of monetary bond for persons charged with certain felony offenses involving violence and requiring the denial of bail to a person accused of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony under most circumstances.
Impact
If enacted, HJR84 will amend Article I of the Texas Constitution, impacting the rights of individuals accused of felonies. By allowing the legislature to set a minimum bond amount, the bill aims to make it more challenging for repeat offenders to secure release before trial. This could lead to a reduction in violent crime by keeping high-risk individuals detained. However, critics may raise concerns about the implications for due process and the potential for increased incarceration rates among those unable to meet the financial requirements set forth by the statute.
Summary
HJR84 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at reforming the bail system in Texas. The bill authorizes the legislature to establish a minimum monetary bond for individuals charged with specific violent felony offenses. Furthermore, it stipulates that individuals accused of committing a felony while already out on bail for another felony will generally be denied bail, unless a judge finds extraordinary circumstances warranting otherwise. The proposed changes represent a significant shift in the state's approach to bail and felony offenses, emphasizing public safety and the seriousness of repeat offenses.
Contention
The legislative discussions surrounding HJR84 are likely to evoke varying opinions on prison reform and public safety. Proponents argue that the measures outlined in the bill are necessary to protect communities from individuals who repeatedly engage in violent behavior. On the other hand, opponents may contend that imposing stricter bail requirements could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and violate their rights to a fair trial. As these conversations unfold, the implications of the bill on both the criminal justice system and social equity will be focal points of contention.
Enabled by
Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to set a minimum amount of monetary bond for persons charged with certain felony offenses involving violence and requiring the denial of bail to a person accused of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony under most circumstances.
Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to set a minimum amount of monetary bond for persons charged with stalking or an offense involving family violence.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to enact laws providing for the denial of bail to a person accused of committing a trafficking or sexual offense against a child while released on bail for committing a similar offense.
Relating to requiring the denial of bail to a person accused of committing certain trafficking or sexual offenses against a child while released on bail for committing a similar offense.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail under some circumstances to a person accused of certain violent or sexual offenses or of continuous trafficking of persons and requiring a judge or magistrate to impose the least restrictive conditions of bail that may be necessary to ensure the person's appearance in court as required and the safety of the community, law enforcement, and the victim of the alleged offense.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail under some circumstances to a person accused of a violent or sexual offense or of continuous trafficking of persons and requiring a judge or magistrate to impose the least restrictive conditions of bail that may be necessary to ensure the person's appearance in court as required and the safety of the community, law enforcement, and the victim of the alleged offense.