2025 Texas Legislative Session — What Bail Bond Professionals Need to Know

The 89th Texas Legislature concluded a sweeping session in June 2025, moving major bills across criminal-justice, bail law, and pre-trial release policy. For the bail-bond industry in Hidalgo County, several changes will be especially relevant.

Prepared by the Hidalgo County Bail Bond Association (HCBBA):

The 89th Texas Legislature introduced several important updates this session that directly affect bail bond professionals, county officials, and the broader justice system. Below is a summary of the most relevant bills, written for clarity and practical understanding.

HB 1522 – Open Meetings Notice Requirement

.This update has particular significance for Bail Bond Board meetings, as weekends no longer count toward the notice period.Organizations should ensure their meeting postings comply with the new timeline. 👉 To see the final bill, CLICK HERE.

HB 1778 – Continuous Promotion of Prostitution

HB 1778 adds a new offense, “Continuous Promotion of Prostitution,” under Section 43.032 of the Texas Penal Code.The bill also amends several sections of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including:

• Article 17.081: Bonds for this offense must now include both the defendant’s and surety’s address and driver’s license number.

• Article 17.465(b): Adds this new offense to those requiring mandatory release conditions, prohibiting the defendant from:

  1. Contacting the victim directly or indirectly.

• Going near the victim’s residence, workplace, or—if applicable—their child’s school or daycare. 👉 To see the final bill, CLICK HERE.

HB 2697 – Amendments to Article 17.19 (Surety Withdrawal Process)

This bill modifies Article 17.19 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, refining the process for a surety to surrender a defendant and withdraw from a bond. This change impacts operational timelines and procedural steps for sureties. 👉 To view the bill, CLICK HERE.

HB 2492 – Family Violence Hold Requirement

Under this bill, Article 17.291(b) is amended to require that a defendant arrested for family violence must be held for at least four hours after posting bond—a shift from the previous “may hold” language.A magistrate retains authority to extend this hold period up to 48 hours for public safety considerations. 👉 To see the final bill, CLICK HERE.

SB 40 – Prohibition on Charitable Bail Funds Using Public Money

Senate Bill 40 creates Section 140.014 of the Local Government Code, prohibiting political subdivisions (counties, cities, etc.) from spending or donating public funds to charitable bail organizations for the purpose of posting bail.The bill also establishes a private cause of action, allowing citizens to seek injunctive relief and recover reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if a violation occurs. 👉 To see the final bill, CLICK HERE.

SB 9 – Comprehensive Bail Reform

Senate Bill 9 was one of the most significant justice bills of the session. It introduces stricter guidelines for personal bonds, allows prosecutors to appeal bail decisions, and limits eligibility for certain defendants.These reforms aim to enhance community safety and accountability in pretrial release decisions. 👉 To view the bill, CLICK HERE.

SJR 5 – Proposed Constitutional Amendment on Denying Bail

Senate Joint Resolution 5 (SJR 5) proposes a constitutional amendment—set for voter consideration in November 2025—that would authorize courts to deny bail in specific violent-felony cases, including:

• Murder and Capital Murder

• Aggravated Assault (with serious injury or weapon use)

• Aggravated Kidnapping, Robbery, and Sexual Assault

• Indecency with a Child

• Trafficking and Continuous Trafficking of Persons

The amendment allows denial of bail if prosecutors prove either:

1. By a preponderance of the evidence that release would not reasonably ensure appearance in court; or

2. By clear and convincing evidence that release would endanger the community, law enforcement, or victims. 👉 To see the Joint Resolution, CLICK HERE.
   

The 2025 legislative session reflects a continued focus on public safety, bail accountability, and procedural transparency.

For the Hidalgo County Bail Bond Association, these changes underscore the importance of remaining informed, compliant, and engaged with both local and state-level developments that shape our profession and community.