Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling for stricter bail reform measures that go beyond those already passed by the Texas Senate, backing a proposed constitutional amendment that would dramatically alter how judges handle bail decisions for violent offenders.
Speaking at a press conference in Houston on Wednesday, Abbott stood alongside grieving families and law enforcement officials, calling for a “common sense” overhaul of the bail system that he says has allowed repeat violent criminals back onto the streets with deadly consequences.
“To fix the Constitution and to fix the broken bail system, we need to amend the Constitution to do several things,” Abbott said. “Judges must automatically deny bail for violent crimes like murder, rape, and human trafficking unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant will appear in court and not endanger the community.”
Abbott’s proposal would also require judges to provide written explanations when they approve bail for violent suspects, and it would allow prosecutors to appeal bond decisions to higher courts.
The governor’s remarks came after a roundtable with families of murder victims hosted by Crime Stoppers of Houston. Attendees included several judges, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, and local law enforcement advocates who argue the current system has failed to protect the public.
Abbott emphasized the human toll of lenient bail policies by citing specific cases in which suspects released on bond were later accused of committing additional murders. He named several Democratic representatives whose districts were impacted by these crimes, including Reps. Alma Allen, Ana Hernandez, Armando Walle, and Jolanda Jones—all Houston-area Democrats whose support will be crucial in passing the amendment through the House.
One case that drew sharp attention was the murder of a woman by Austin Collette, a confessed killer who was allowed to remain free on bond while awaiting sentencing. He later killed his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself.
“This tragedy happened in Representative Jolanda Jones’ district,” Abbott said. “She needs to support tougher bail policies to ensure that murders like this don’t happen in her district anymore.”
Currently, the proposed amendment—Senate Joint Resolution 5 (SJR 5), introduced by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston)—has passed in the Senate. It would give judges discretion to deny bail for serious violent crimes, including first-degree sexual offenses involving weapons, trafficking, and offenses causing serious bodily injury. But to move forward, the amendment needs two-thirds support in the 150-member House. With Republicans holding 88 seats, at least 12 Democratic votes are needed.
Democratic leaders have expressed openness to negotiating, but not without reservations. House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu (D-Houston) has raised constitutional concerns and pointed to an alternative plan sponsored by Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston), which also seeks to deny bail to violent offenders but is narrower in scope—excluding aggravated assault unless a firearm is involved.
Meanwhile, civil rights groups are sounding the alarm. Earlier in the day, organizations including the ACLU of Texas, Texas Organizing Project, and Texas Civil Rights Project held a rally opposing SJR 5. They argue that denying bail based on charges, rather than individualized risk assessments, infringes on constitutional rights and disproportionately affects poor defendants.
“These comments are insulting to the families of victims,” Abbott responded, defending the need for reform. “We’re not targeting people based on income. We’re targeting a system that’s letting killers back onto our streets.”
Charles Cook, whose 80-year-old mother Rosalie Cook was murdered by a man out on two felony bonds, made a personal plea during the roundtable. “The system failed my mother. And she’s not alone,” Cook said. “The public, especially our most vulnerable, deserve better.”
According to Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious, at least 200 murders in Harris County since 2018 have been allegedly committed by individuals released on bond.
The road ahead will test both parties’ willingness to compromise on public safety. With previous constitutional amendments failing in 2021 and 2023 due to House opposition, this year’s proposal could hinge on whether Democrats see Abbott’s push as a genuine effort at reform—or a political maneuver in a polarized climate.
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