Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is intensifying pressure on the state House to pass bail reform legislation, the only emergency item on his agenda this session, which he says is crucial to saving lives.
The push follows the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston last June. Authorities say she was killed by two undocumented Venezuelan nationals, prompting Abbott to call for immediate changes to the state’s bail policies.
The Texas Senate has already passed two key measures: Senate Joint Resolution 5, which would amend the state constitution to deny bail to those accused of murder, and Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would deny bail to undocumented immigrants charged with a felony.
Abbott has taken to social media in recent days to call on the House to act, emphasizing the urgency of the legislation. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has voiced his support for the measures as well.
Both joint resolutions would require approval from two-thirds of the Legislature and a majority of Texas voters in a statewide election to become law.
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