Texas House Bill HJR62

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail to an accused person if necessary to ensure the person's appearance in court and the safety of the community and the victim of the alleged offense.

Impact

If adopted, HJR62 would amend Article I of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 11d, granting the legislature authority to define the circumstances under which bail can be denied. This could significantly reshape the bail process in Texas, particularly for cases involving violent or sexual crimes. Legal experts suggest this may lead to more individuals being held in custody prior to trial, which proponents argue would protect victims and ensure defendants appear for their court dates. However, critics raise concerns regarding the potential for overreach and the implications for individuals' rights who are awaiting trial.

Summary

HJR62 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the denial of bail to individuals accused of violent or sexual offenses if a judge determines that bail conditions are insufficient to ensure the accused's appearance in court or the safety of the community and the victim. This change aims to enable judges to impose stricter measures for certain offenses, reflecting an ongoing legislative effort to prioritize public safety within the judicial system. The resolution outlines the necessity of a clear and convincing evidence standard that judges must meet before denying bail in such cases, fundamentally altering the conditions under which bail can be granted or denied.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HJR62 appears to be divisive. Supporters, including various law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy groups, champion the amendment as a necessary step in creating a safer environment for communities and victims of violence. They argue that safety should take precedence over individual liberties in cases involving serious offenses. Conversely, opponents contend that the measure could result in unjust detention, exacerbating existing inequities in the criminal justice system and disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HJR62 revolves around the balance between public safety and individual rights. Proponents argue that the current bail system can sometimes lead to dangerous individuals being released, thereby threatening victims and the community. Opponents counter that denying bail before trial undermines the presumption of innocence and could lead to wrongful detentions. Furthermore, there are concerns about the criteria used to assess 'clear and convincing evidence' and how such determinations could be influenced by biases, particularly in high-stress judicial scenarios.