Flanked by crime victims and law enforcement officials, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Republican legislative leaders on Wednesday urged House Democrats to support a sweeping constitutional amendment that would give judges broader authority to deny bail to suspects accused of violent crimes.
Speaking from the Capitol in Austin, Abbott framed the proposal as a matter of public safety, not partisan politics.
“Judges simply have far too easy discretion to set easy bail for violent criminals,” Abbott said. “This is not and should not be a Republican or a Democrat issue. This is a public safety issue, plain and simple.”
Among those joining Abbott was Sophia Strother Lewis, a small business owner from Hutto who gave a harrowing account of being kidnapped, tortured, and raped by a man later released on bond despite a conviction for sexual assault.
Lewis said her attacker, Augustine Dafe Ikolo, an undocumented immigrant with a prior federal money laundering conviction, continued to target her after being released, burning her Amazon delivery vans and committing identity theft. When Ikolo skipped his sentencing hearing, Lewis said she was left feeling helpless and devalued.
“He let him out on a $75,000 bond, which basically meant... I was only worth $750,” Lewis said, her voice breaking. “I very seriously thought about ending my life.”
Legislation Stalled in House
The push comes after the Texas Senate in February passed a proposed constitutional amendment authored by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) that would allow judges to deny bail entirely for certain violent offenses. A similar measure in the House, introduced by Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo), has stalled due to lack of support from Democrats.
To move forward, both measures would need a two-thirds majority in the House — all Republican votes and at least 12 Democrats. While House Democrats have expressed openness to negotiations, many remain concerned about constitutional and civil liberties implications.
Gov. Abbott has proposed additional requirements, including mandatory detention for suspects charged with murder, rape, or human trafficking unless they can clearly demonstrate they pose no threat and will return for trial. He also called for judges to issue written explanations when releasing violent suspects on bail and to allow prosecutors to appeal such decisions.
“They have not yet been put to the test. They will be put to the test though here in a week or two,” Abbott said, pressing lawmakers to act before the legislative session ends on June 2.
High-Profile Crimes Driving the Debate
Supporters of the measure have pointed to several high-profile crimes to underscore the need for reform. Sen. Huffman’s SJR 1, known as “Jocelyn’s Law,” is named after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray of Houston, who was raped and murdered in June 2024. The suspects, both undocumented immigrants from Venezuela, face capital murder charges.
“We’re all convinced that the Texas voters will overwhelmingly approve this resolution,” said Huffman. “These reforms will make a real difference.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other GOP leaders have warned that the failure to pass bail reform could necessitate a special session. However, Abbott declined to say whether he would call lawmakers back to Austin after the regular session ends.
Abbott has also publicly pressured Democratic lawmakers, specifically naming Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin), whose district includes the location of a high-profile murder committed by suspects out on bond.
“Representative Talarico needs to step up and join with Representative Smithee... to support a constitutional amendment that fixes the broken bail system,” Abbott said.
Democrats Signal Openness Amid Political Tensions
Democratic House Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) has expressed interest in reaching a compromise but also accused Abbott of using the issue as an election-year wedge.
Still, Wu said this week he believes a deal can be reached. Smithee, who chairs the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, said the panel will need to vote on the proposed reforms within the next week.
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