Texas Gov Greg Abbott speaks before signing Senate Bill 1, also known as the election integrity bill, into law in Tyler, Texas, Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:26 AM PT – Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill aiming to keep violent criminals off the street as they wait for trial. He signed the Damon Allen Act on Monday, which mandates that violent criminals can only pay a cash bail and not a personal bond.
The new law was named after trooper Damon Allen, who was shot and killed by a man that was out on bail for another violent crime. It will also provide “enhanced training and education for all magistrates who set bail,” while adding accountability for judges that release criminals on bail.
“The Damon Allen Act makes it harder for dangerous criminals to be released from jail on bail. it also creates a statewide information system to provide judges considering bail with the criminal history of the person who is up for bail.”
Proud to sign the Damon Allen Act into law this morning at the Safer Houston Summit.
This law will reform our broken bail system and help keep our communities safe and secure. https://t.co/Ya3WkWOahi #txlege
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) September 13, 2021
Abbott said that his state “will not follow the lead of Portland, Seattle and Minneapolis.” Instead, he ensured it will remain a law-and-order state.
