Numerous Texas Criminal Reform Bills Are Dead as the Legislative Session Ends

 Posted on May 26, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Over the five months that marked Texas’s 88th legislative session, over 3,400 resolutions and 8,000 bills were filed. With less than a week to go in the session, fewer than 850 bills had passed. Sometimes, legislative action helps to improve the state’s criminal justice system. However, it is not a secret that some actions tend to harm those who have been accused or convicted of criminal wrongdoing as well. As a result of both of these realities, it is critically important that those who are facing criminal allegations remain informed about the ways in which the law is constantly changing. In doing so, they may be able to craft a more successful criminal defense strategy than they otherwise might.

Inaction Was the Order of the Day 

There were several legislative priorities concerning the state’s criminal justice system that were contested during this legislative session, only to “die” before reaching the governor’s desk. Of particular note was Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 44. Although more than 3,100 resolutions introduced during the session passed, this measure – which seeks to amend the Texas Constitution – has been postponed.  

The resolution, which was passed in the Senate almost unanimously a few months ago, sat in the House’s Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence until last week. There is no more time to vote on the resolution, which would grant judges greater discretion in denying certain allegedly violent defendants bail while they await trial. At present, Texas law generally guarantees bail for most defendants who have not been charged with capital murder.

Although it is possible that the governor will call for a special session to wrap up some measures that have not yet reached his desk, it seems that – at least for now – inaction related to criminal justice issues was the reality of the state’s 88th legislative session.

Connect with a Dedicated Collin County, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer for Personalized Information

If you have recently been accused of a crime, you may be concerned about the ways in which recent shifts in legislative priorities and jurisprudence could affect your ability to mount a successful defense. Know that you do not need to be well-versed in Texas or federal law to take full advantage of your criminal defense options. By speaking with the informed team of Collin County, TX criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C., you can benefit from our extensive knowledge, experience, and ongoing efforts to stay on top of all relevant legal developments that affect Lone Star State residents and visitors.  

If you have not yet scheduled a free, no-pressure, confidential consultation, do so now by submitting a contact form on our website or by calling us at 469-333-3333. We look forward to assisting you with your legal needs at this time.

Sources:

https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/texas-lege-update-which-bills-made-it-to-the-governors-desk/

https://thetexan.news/criminal-justice-reform-bills-related-to-gun-crime-and-bail-dead-in-texas-house/