Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott convened a roundtable and press conference in Houston to address concerns about Texas' bail system. The governor emphasized the need for reform to keep dangerous criminals detained.

"Activist judges are protecting dangerous criminals instead of the innocent people they victimize," Abbott stated. He highlighted over 200 cases since 2019 in the Houston area where individuals released on low-cash or no-cash bonds committed further crimes. "This is a public safety issue," he added, urging state representatives to pass a constitutional amendment for stricter bail policies.

Abbott was accompanied by Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious, victim's families, and bail reform advocates. Mankarious remarked, "Every name shared today represents a life lost and a family forever changed." She emphasized that bond reform transcends politics and focuses on safety.

The Governor recounted a tragic event in Representative Ana Hernandez's district involving a career criminal who murdered his wife while out on a personal recognizance bond. He also criticized Judge Hilary Unger for releasing Austin Collette on bond, who subsequently killed his girlfriend in Representative Jolanda Jones' district. Abbott called for legislative support for tougher bail measures.

Victims' families shared stories during the meeting. Rosalie Cook was killed by a repeat offender with 67 previous arrests; Shaniqua Banks was murdered by a felon on parole with a PR bond; five-year-old Samuel Olson was killed by an offender on felony PR bond; Martha Medina was run over by a repeat offender out on bond; and Ramon Ramos was killed on Christmas Eve by a defendant on multiple bonds.

Abbott advocated for a constitutional amendment that includes denying bail for violent crimes unless there is compelling evidence for release, requiring judges to justify their bail decisions publicly, and allowing prosecutors to appeal questionable bond decisions.

In his 2025 State of the State Address, Abbott classified bail reform as a legislative priority.