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All across the country, violent criminals are allowed to roam free by soft-on-crime judges, but Texas bail reform could solve that problem here. This has already been voted down twice before, but maybe the third time is the charm.
Conservative attorney Michelle Maples says that usually when you have new major legislation like this, it does take three attempts to pass. She said, "There's some really hard negotiations going on. So let's hope this third time, there's some pressure put on these individuals who voted no."
This third attempt at Texas bail reform comes in the form of a proposed constitutional amendment known as SJR-17. It was put forward by State Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and aims to rein in some of the so-called "activist judges" who release violent offenders on bail with little to no bond.
Maples described this problem, saying, "You've got judges who say, 'Okay, alright, you've got a rap sheet here, but I think you're likely a good guy, and promise me you won't do it again.' And then they let these violent offenders go." Those violent offenders then often commit more crimes while they await trial.
She went on to say that these activist judges have become such a big problem that drastic steps need to be taken to address this issue. That's why she says she's "100% for this constitutional amendment."
Maples also said both Democrats and Republicans have a duty to work together to get SJR-17 passed in both the Texas House and Senate.