Jocelyn's Law fails to earn enough votes in Texas House

Texas House Rejects Bill to Deny Bail to Undocumented Immigrants Charged With Felonies

Texas' House of Representatives rejected a bill that would amend the state constitution to deny bail to undocumented immigrants charged with a felony.

With Democrats Holding Out, Bail Reform Push Collapses in Texas House

Speculation is growing regarding a potential special session to address the issue. The post With Democrats Holding Out, Bail Reform Push Collapses in Texas House appeared first on Texas Scorecard.

Jocelyn's Law fails to earn enough votes in Texas House

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Senate Joint Resolution 1 — a proposed constitutional amendment to prevent bail for those not lawfully in the country accused of certain crimes — fell 13 votes shy of the 100 votes needed to pass the Texas House. Known as 'Jocelyn's Law', after 12-year-old Houston girl Jocelyn Nungaray was allegedly killed by a pair of men illegally in the country last year, SJR 1 was a priority of Gov. Greg Abbott. "Illegal immigrants who are…

On May 26, 2025, the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, signed Senate Joint Resolution 37 (S.J.R. No. 37), which proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote in state elections. Although the Texas Constitution already limits voting to persons of age, mentally competent and without serious crimes, this bill seeks to add an additional requirement: U.S. citizenship. The amendment will be put to a popular vot…