Advancing Criminal Justice Reform

in the 87th Texas Legislature

Published ON:

September 19, 2023

Problem

The 87th Texas Legislature session spanned January to May 2021. The session focused heavily on high-profile reform efforts around bail, police accountability, and drug policy. The Center for Justice Research identified 60 related bills, testified on 4 priority bills, and closely monitored legislative progress throughout the session.

Background

Bail reform stalled during the session due to some controversial provisions, but remains a priority issue for future legislative sessions in Texas. Police reform saw important progress with the passage of acts improving transparency, banning chokeholds, and establishing a duty for officers to intervene in cases of excessive force. Overall, 9 of the 65 criminal justice reform bills passed, led primarily by Republican-authored legislation.

Policy Response

- Special sessions provide opportunity for progress on stalled reform efforts. - New advocacy strategies are needed to cement police accountability and judicial reforms. - The Center for Justice Research remains committed to advancing evidence-based reforms for a more just system.

Key Takeaways

- Bipartisan support for police reform is growing, but ending qualified immunity remains a key sticking point. - Strategic partnerships and public opinion shifts have created momentum for systemic change. - The Center for Justice Research's advocacy and testimony assisted lawmakers in developing more equitable policies.

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Criminal Justice Reform

in the 87th Texas Legislature

This report provides a comprehensive overview of our suggested policy focus, activities, and the prevailing political environment during the 87th Texas Legislative session.

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Criminal Justice Reform

The 87th legislature of the State of Texas began on January 12, 2021, and concluded on May 31, 2021. Texas lawmakers convened under circumstances that were particularly unique. First, the legislative session began just six days after the historic riot at the nation’s capital in Washington, DC, in which right-leaning protestors stormed the Capitol. Additionally, the session opened while the State of Texas and most of the nation were under restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 shutdown. The handling of COVID-19 was highly politicized, with conservative and liberal lawmakers taking vastly different approaches in handling the pandemic. It is within this larger context we provide a deeper understanding and analysis of the legislative bills across the state.

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Advancing Criminal Justice Reform

Problem

Background

Policy Response

Key Takeaways

Criminal Justice Reform

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Criminal Justice Reform

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