Governor Greg Abbott signs the most powerful bail reform package in Texas history
From the Desk of Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston
June 4, 2025
Yesterday marked a historic and deeply meaningful moment in our pursuit of justice and public safety. With the signing of SB 9, SB 40, HB 75, and SJR 5, Texas has taken a bold and necessary step to repair a fractured bail system — a system that, for far too long, has allowed dangerous, repeat violent offenders to be released, often multiple times, resulting in tragic and irreversible consequences. While this has been a legislative process, it is not political. We were all thankful for the bipartisan support it received.
Since 2018, we at Crime Stoppers of Houston have been relentless in our efforts to shine a light on the failures of this system. We’ve stood with grieving families. We’ve raised our voices in honor of lives lost. Led by Crime Stoppers of Houston Director of Victim Services and Advocacy Andy Kahan, we advocated for reforms that prioritize the safety of law-abiding citizens and victims over the release of those who continue to harm our communities. Additionally, our Glenda Gordy Research Center team tracked and provided crime data to support these critical efforts.
With the signing of these bail reform bills, Texas is sending a clear and unwavering message: violent criminals will no longer cycle in and out of jail without accountability. Families who have lived with unimaginable pain now have a reason to believe in a system that protects, not endangers. Justice and accountability are being restored.
To Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Joan Huffman, Chairman John Smithee and the countless other elected officials, law enforcement officials and advocates who helped make this day possible — thank you. Your leadership will save lives.
To the victims and families who have suffered devastating loss — this change is for you, and because of you. Your courage, your voices, your stories have fueled this reform. You have turned your pain into purpose, and today, Texas stands stronger because of it.
With gratitude and resolve,
Rania Mankarious
CEO, Crime Stoppers of Houston
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Posted by on 4 Jun 2025