The Texas House of Representatives passed HB 1422 on Wednesday, a comprehensive bail-reform bill that would mandate the use of validated risk-assessment tools in all felony cases and restrict personal-recognizance bonds for defendants charged with crimes involving weapons.
Key Provisions
- Mandatory pretrial risk assessments for Class A and B misdemeanors and felonies
- Prohibition on cash-only bail schedules without judicial review
- Expanded pretrial detention for defendants with prior violent convictions
- New reporting requirements for county bail-bond boards
Supporters and Critics
Supporters argue the bill strikes a balance between public safety and fairness for lower-income defendants who cannot afford cash bail. Critics from civil-liberties groups warn the risk-assessment algorithms embed historical racial disparities.
The bill moves to the Senate Jurisprudence Committee, where its fate is uncertain.