Gov. Greg Abbott urges constitutional amendment to tighten bail for violent offenders

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday urged lawmakers to pass a constitutional amendment that would let judges deny bail for certain violent crimes and give prosecutors the right to appeal questionable bond decisions, saying the current system "literally is killing our fellow Texans." Abbott framed the measure as a public‑safety, not partisan, issue and said survivors’ stories drove the push.

Abbott said Texas law currently ties bail to the state constitution, so fixing the system requires an amendment that must win two‑thirds support in both legislative chambers and then be approved by voters. He described three core changes sponsors want: permit judges to deny bail in violent cases unless there is "clear and convincing evidence" a defendant will appear and not endanger the community; require judges who release violent defendants to explain their decisions in…