Efforts to pass high-profile bail reform measures collapsed in the Texas House on Wednesday, as lawmakers failed to advance two proposed constitutional amendments before a key legislative deadline—despite reported last-minute pressure from Gov. Greg Abbott.
Senate Joint Resolution 87, which was amended to be called “Jocelyn’s Law,” fell short on a third reading vote on Tuesday, receiving 97 votes in favor and 40 against—just three votes shy of the two-thirds supermajority needed to send a constitutional amendment to voters. On Wednesday, lawmakers failed to reconsider the measure, leaving it effectively dead for the session.
The resolution, named after 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray who was brutally murdered in Houston last year, would have required judges to deny bail to individuals accused of violent felonies if they had previously been convicted of or were out on bail for similar offenses.
Meanwhile, Senate Joint Resolution 1, a separate resolution that would have denied bail to illegal aliens accused of certain violent crimes, also failed on Wednesday evening, receiving only 87 votes in favor and 39 against—well below the 100 votes required in the 150-member House. Like SJR 87, it was originally filed as “Jocelyn’s Law.”
The only major bail-related resolution to successfully clear the chamber was Senate Joint Resolution 5, which gives judges the discretion to deny bail to individuals accused of violent felonies if there is clear and convincing evidence that they pose a danger to public safety or a flight risk. While that measure passed earlier this month, it remains unclear whether it will satisfy Gov. Abbott’s demand for stronger bail reforms.
Reportedly, Abbott had been in contact with lawmakers throughout the week, encouraging Democrats to support SJR 87 ahead of the final vote. But without a motion to reconsider and with the House’s constitutional amendment deadline expired, both SJR 87 and SJR 1 are officially dead for the session.
The failure of the measures now raises the question of whether Abbott will call a special session to revive the effort and push the proposals forward.
