Austin, TX
Texas House lawmakers OK bills that would require judges to deny bail for certain felonies
A proposal that would require judges to deny bail for undocumented immigrants charged with certain felonies did not receive the two-thirds majority support needed May 19, although House members can take an additional vote later if more support is garnered.
“I’ve never voted on any legislation more important than what we’re getting ready to consider, because it holds the very key to the life or death of some very wonderful people, some very innocent people,” Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, who sponsored the bills in the House, said May 19.
What you need to know
On the House floor May 19, proponents of the measures spoke of a “broken” bail system under which violent offenders are released from jail and continue committing crimes.
“As a sheriff, I had to answer these questions on a regular basis as to how a person got out and was able to commit another crime, another felony,” former Jackson County Sheriff and freshman Rep. AJ Louderback, R-Victoria, said May 19. “I had to tell them [it was the] bail system.”
Opponents of the proposals, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project, have expressed concerns that tightening restrictions on bail would strip defendants of due process protections and limit judges’ authority to make case-by-case decisions.
House lawmakers adopted Senate Joint Resolution 5, which proposes amending the Texas Constitution to require judges to deny bail for certain violent offenses. If state senators approve the House’s amendments to SJR 5, it will appear on Texas voters’ ballots in November.
The House gave initial approval to Senate Bill 9, which would expand a list of offenses for which defendants could not be released on low-cost bonds; and SB 40, which would prohibit local governments from giving public money to nonprofits that help cover bail costs. House members must vote on these bills one more time before they can be sent back to the Senate.
The bail package is expected to be signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, who has deemed tightening bail laws an emergency priority for three straight sessions. In a social media post following the May 19 votes, Abbott called the bipartisan support of his priorities “incredible” and said Texas was “one step closer to saving lives.”
SJR 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require judges to deny bail for undocumented migrants accused of certain felonies, did not receive the 100 votes required to adopt the measure and place it on the ballot. House members can bring the proposal up for an additional vote as soon as May 20.
Zooming in
Under SJR 5, judges would be required to deny bail to defendants accused of certain violent offenses, including murder, human trafficking and aggravated sexual assault. The state would be required to demonstrate that a defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety before bail would be denied. Defendants would also have the right to legal counsel in bail hearings, according to the legislation.
The measure approved by the House would go further than the Senate’s original proposal, which would give judges more discretion to deny bail.
“It may not be perfect, but it’s the best we can do to fix a system that’s been broken for a long time,” Smithee said on the House floor. “This bill has [Sen. Joan] Huffman’s name on it, … but it’s not her bill or my bill, or even the governor’s bill. This bill truly belongs to the families of the victims, and the victims themselves, who have suffered these needless tragedies.”
“We wouldn’t be here if there weren’t real life examples of people being released who plainly should not have been,” Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, said before the vote on SJR 5.
Moody added that lawmakers should also adjust the state’s bail system to help people who commit lower-level crimes and cannot afford bail.
“That’s how the bail reform conversation started a decade ago,” Moody said May 19. “For every improperly released defendant who commits a serious crime, there’s 100 low-level offenders held when they shouldn’t be, whose lives are upended. We need to do both.”
House members adopted SJR 5 with a 133-8 vote May 19.
More details
SJR 1 proposes amending the state constitution to automatically deny bail to unauthorized immigrants charged with certain felonies. Just two House Democrats were in favor of the proposal on May 19, causing it to fall short of the two-thirds majority threshold needed for constitutional amendments.
The version proposed in the House includes a tighter definition of “illegal alien” than what the Senate approved, which Smithee said would prevent lawful permanent residents and people with other protected statuses from being swept up under the bill. Democrats asked that people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status and people who came to the U.S. to flee violence also be excluded, although their amendments were rejected.
Smithee said he would work with Democrats to expand the protected immigration classes referenced in the bill before the House takes another vote on SJR 1.
Rep. Erin Gámez, D-Brownsville, who voted against SJR 1, said local judges and magistrates who set bail do not have the resources or training to handle immigration decisions.
“There are immigration judges who spend hours making this careful determination—entire courts that have been carved out alone to make these very carefully planned-out, judicious determinations, and it’s your opinion that a magistrate can simply do it,” Gámez said May 19.
Moody said he voted for SJR 1 because it would limit the bill to about 20 felonies related to elections, drug and violent crimes. Under the Senate’s version of the legislation, Moody said, unauthorized migrants would be denied bail for any felony offense.
“If a felony sounds serious, you should know that there are about 2,500 felonies to be charged with in Texas,” Moody said on the House floor.
Moody added that he was concerned about the idea that all undocumented migrants are violent criminals.
“From Twitter to town halls, the language around immigration is toxic,” he said. It’s dehumanizing, and in some cases, it’s nakedly racist. We talk about policy that’s supposed to save lives, but this type of scapegoating led to a mass murder in my hometown just a few years ago, and since then, that rhetoric has gotten worse, not better.”
Also of note
SB 9 would expand on a 2021 state law that limited who is eligible for low-cost personal bonds. Under the bill, defendants would have to meet a higher bond if accused of unlawful possession of a firearm; violation of a family violence protective order; terroristic threat; or murder as a result of manufacturing or delivering fentanyl.
Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, said judges would be required to document their reasoning when determining whether to hold a defendant in jail or release them on bond. The state would also be able to appeal bail decisions. If a case is appealed, the defendant would remain behind bars for up to 20 days during litigation.
“From time to time, we’re going to see magistrates or district judges make mistakes or make bad decisions about bail concerning violent offenses,” Little said May 19. “[SB 9] is going to make the people in our districts back home safer, and it’s going to protect us from ongoing conduct by people who are repeat violent offenders.”
House members initially approved SB 9 with a 122-20 vote May 19. The proposal must receive one more vote before it can head back to the Senate.
In a statement following the vote on SB 9, the ACLU of Texas said the legislation would unfairly punish poor Texans.
“This bill violates basic principles of due process, keeps poor people in jail for being poor, and hands prosecutors a veto over judicial decisions,” said Nick Hudson, a senior policy and advocacy strategist for the ACLU of Texas. “Texas families deserve reforms rooted in evidence, fairness and public safety instead of fear.”
One more thing
SB 40 would prohibit the use of public funds to pay nonprofit organizations that cover bail costs. The legislation stemmed from allegations that Harris County has given nearly $2.1 million since 2022 to the Bail Project, an organization that helps low-income defendants meet bail.
In February, a spokesperson for the Bail Project told Community Impact that the organization does not accept public money. Funds received from Harris County were reimbursements, the spokesperson said, because state law allows refunds if a defendant appears at all required court dates.
“There was a dispute as to whether this was happening in Harris County. … We’re not here to adjudicate that today,” Smithee said on the House floor May 19. “We’re just saying that it shouldn’t happen in the future. This is not a good use of taxpayer money.”
SB 40 was initially passed with a 132-13 vote and will need a final vote before it returns to the Senate.
A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
AUSTIN, Texas — The Long Center just dropped details on The Drop-In, a free summer concert series on the outdoor H-E-B Stage.
The Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, which is partnered with KUTX 98.9, begins May 21 and takes place every Thursday except July 2.
On Friday, the center released the 23 artists performing:
- Bonnie Montgomery
- CAZAYOUX
- Como Las Movies
- Fastball
- Felt Out
- francene rouelle
- Girl Guitar’s Rhinestone Renegades
- Grace Sorensen
- Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
- Hayden Butler
- Jackie Venson
- Je’Texas
- KindKeith
- Lew Apollo
- Lindsay Beaver
- Los Desechos
- LUCIRI
- Mean Jolene
- Paige Plaisance
- Ruthie Craft
- Sue Foley
- Sweet Limb
- The Magic Rockers of Texas
A social media poster for the event also featured a redacted performer’s name, hinting at a surprise guest.
On Monday, the Long Center will open RSVPs for The Drop-In, with Long Center members getting first dibs on those RSVPs. Members also enjoy early entrance and a special lounge.
Students representing schools from across the Texas Panhandle gathered at the Texas State Capitol on Monday, May 4, for the inaugural Panhandle Capitol Leadership Program, organized and hosted by State Representative Caroline Fairly.
The program brought together students from several school districts spanning hundreds of miles of the Panhandle, giving them direct access to the halls of state government. Throughout the day, the middle school students engaged with the legislative process through tours of the Capitol, etiquette training, a visit to the Governor’s Mansion, and presenting bill ideas to their peers.
An immersive civic education experience, the program was designed to bridge the distance between the Panhandle and Austin, giving students the opportunity to consider a future in public service. Fairly intends to continue the program in future years.
“One of the most important things we can do for the future of Texas is make sure our young people understand how their government actually works,” Fairly said. “The students who came to Austin today didn’t just observe the legislative process; they engaged with it. That kind of hands-on civic education is what turns curious students into engaged and productive adults.”
The following exceptional students participated in the program:
- Follett ISD: Randi Purgason, Angel Aguilar, and Gideon Stinson;
- Stratford ISD: Hellen Chitic and Monse Zamudio;
- River Road ISD: Kaydence Kovar, Lillie Stubblefield, and Kathryn Ruiz;
- San Jacinto Christian Academy: Cate Dowdy;
- Ascension Academy: Anima Tumula, Grae Gerig, and Zadie Shreffler;
- The Oaks: Ellie Carbajal, Aylah Jones, and Paige Solomon;
- Amarillo ISD: Mason Perry, Norah Bennett, and Jocelynn Guevara; and
- Perryton ISD: Andrew Russell.
“Seeing this extremely bright group of students presenting their ideas was one of the most rewarding experiences of my legislative career so far,” Representative Fairly added. “I am grateful to every student, teacher, and parent who made the trip. The future of the Panhandle is in excellent hands.”
Other community news
Kelly Preston, Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director at FirstBank Southwest, has been selected as a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award by the Texas Bankers Foundation. The award will be presented at the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention during a special awards luncheon. “Kelly represents the very best of what this industry needs as it looks to the future,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “Her leadership is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a genuine care for people. She brings those values into every part of her work, and we’re proud to see her recognized by the Texas Bankers Foundation as an emerging leader.” For more information, visit www.texasbankers.com/Foundation and check out Texas Banking Magazine, the official publication of the Texas Bankers Association, which includes a special feature on the 2026 award winners.
Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its new Camp Safety Initiatives and Protocols and to recognize the generous donors who helped make them possible. The event will be held at the Ceta Canyon Welcome Center, located at 37201 FM 1721, in Happy. “Safety is one of the deepest ways we love the families who trust us with their kids,” said Joe Alarcon, CEO of Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center. “We are also honored to recognize Heaven’s 27 and the fulfillment of the provisions outlined in the new bill. As one of the few organizations to receive licensure, we are grateful to lead the way in meeting these important standards.”
The Amarillo Symphony announced that Damian Blacksher, a senior at Dumas High School and a three-year bassoonist with the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), has been named the inaugural recipient of the Claire Stovall Scholarship. The $2,500 award will assist Damian as he pursues a Bachelor of Music degree at the Baylor University School of Music in fall 2026. The Claire Stovall Scholarship was established by Jeff and Amy Stovall in loving memory of their daughter, Claire, a gifted violinist in ASYO. “Damian embodies everything this scholarship was created to honor,” said Larry Lang, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “He is a serious young artist with a generous spirit, the kind of student who lifts up everyone around him. The Stovall family’s gift will help carry his musicianship forward, and through Damian, Claire’s love of music continues to inspire the next generation of Panhandle musicians.”
This week’s Furry Friend is Quinn. “Quinn’s coloring is black with some white, and she is a medium size dog. Her coat is rather wiry. She is a cute, sweet dog, but very shy right now. Our volunteers and staff will be working with her. Quinn was brought to our shelter after spending some time on the street, so may take an extra bit of love and kindness.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
This week, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District. This year’s theme is America 250, and winning pieces will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Shae Crawford of Denton and a student at Ryan High School, earned top honors for her oil pastel of an American Flag titled “Still Waving.” Her piece represents the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who have fought for generations to secure our freedoms and build this great nation. “Congratulations to Shae on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “I thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition, including the teachers who helped make the contest possible, and I’m excited to see Shea’s work displayed in our Nation’s Capitol.”
This month, HTeaO is once again partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to help advance the fight against childhood cancer. Beginning May 1, guests at HTeaO locations nationwide will have the opportunity to round up their total to the nearest dollar at checkout, with proceeds supporting ALSF’s work to fund pediatric cancer research and provide critical resources for families impacted by childhood cancer. Throughout the campaign, HTeaO will swap out its signature blue straws for yellow straws as a small but visible reminder of ALSF’s lemonade stand roots. For more, visit https://HTeaO.com.
Tickets are on sale for a one-night-only Memorial Day weekend concert featuring Jack Ingram on Saturday, May 23, at the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon, kicking off the 60th season of the Texas Outdoor Musical. Opening the evening is local favorite Travis Roberts, bringing a high-energy set that showcases the talent and spirit of the Texas Panhandle music scene. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical production will run June 11 through Aug. 1, alongside additional programming including “Shakespeare in the Canyon” on Tuesday evenings in July. Reserve your seats for the concert at www.texas-show.com or by calling 806-651-2181.
ALLIANCE Credit Union opened a temporary branch location on Monday, May 4, at 4711 S. Soncy Rd. in Amarillo. The temporary branch will operate on the same property while the new permanent building is under construction, allowing continued service without interruption. The temporary branch will offer a full range of products and services, and team members will be on-site to assist with transactions and answer questions. Additional details, including hours of operation, are available at alliancecutx.com and on their social media channels.
Brown & Fortunato announced the opening of an office in Salt Lake City, Utah, expanding the firm’s growing national footprint and strengthening its ability to serve clients across the United States. Founded in 1995, the national practice has offices strategically located in Amarillo, Dallas, and Salt Lake City, and is even better positioned to provide seamless, nationwide legal service while maintaining the close attorney client relationships that define the firm’s culture.
Helping Her is a free art show and women’s health resource fair at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, happening Friday, May 29 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Funds from the art show will support free period products in DHDC’s bathrooms and by request at the front desk. Only DHDC’s Space Gallery will be open to interact with community organizations and view or purchase art. Their partner, Free Bleed 806, is accepting art show submissions through May 25. Art in the theme of dinosaurs or space is encouraged, but they’re accepting art on any topic. Email kendra@womenmarch.com to learn more.
Shaun Hardy Sr. of Farwell, earned a Master of Science in Transformational Leadership from University of Maryland Global Campus in winter 2026.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that applications are being accepted for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from wildfires in Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties that occurred Feb. 15 through April 11. ECP signup will end June 3. “The Farm Service Agency can help producers and landowners recover from natural disasters that impacted their operation,” said Adam Acker, FSA County Executive Director for Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties. “If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our office before beginning any restoration activities in order to determine program eligibility and to request restoration practice approval before taking any action.” For more, contact the Potter-Armstrong County FSA Office at 806-468-8600 x2, the Oldham County FSA Office at 806-267-2178 x2, or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research will host a wheat field day and plot tour on May 14 in Bushland. Registration for the free event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the AgriLife Research Station, 2301 Experiment Station Road. The wheat field day will conclude before noon with the annual plot tour. Brent Auvermann, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center, will open the event with a brief overview of the new center located in Canyon and how it ties in with the research being done at Bushland. For more information, contact Kevin Heflin, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist and assistant professor, Department of Soil and Crop Science, at kevin.heflin@ag.tamu.edu.
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Mews, the operating system for hospitality, announced that Llano Real Estate Group has selected Mews to power a growing portfolio of hospitality assets across Texas, including hotels, RV parks and short-term rentals. Llano Real Estate Group is rapidly growing its footprint, with nine properties including Cactus Cove Inn & Suites in Amarillo and multiple RV parks and short-term rentals. “Where we’re going as a business requires a completely different level of operational control,” said Matt Marrs, owner of Cactus Cove Inn & Suites and operator at Llano Real Estate Group. “With Mews, everything is faster, more intuitive and built to scale with us.”
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