Gov. Abbott to sign Texas’ new bail reform law in Houston

SEE RELATED STORY: Bail reform listed as special legislative session priority by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

Senate Bill 6, also called the Damon Allen Act, eliminates PR bonds for violent offenses. That’s when a suspect does not have to put up any cash to get out of jail.

The law is named after a state trooper who was killed on Thanksgiving in 2017 during a traffic stop. The gunman, Dabrett Black, who had a history of violence against law enforcement was out on bond for other crimes. Currently, the ability of a defendant to post cash determines most Texas jail releases, but some jurisdictions – particularly in Harris County after losses in federal court – have recently shifted to releasing more people accused of low-level crimes without requiring money. (Excerpts from Newsbreak Daily)