Texas lawmakers are forging ahead with plans to overhaul the state's bail reform system.

On Wednesday, the Texas Senate passed several bills aimed at preventing violent offenders from bonding out and potentially committing more crimes.

“This became a rallying cry and a call from Republicans, especially demanding that more needed to be done when it came to bonding bail — and in general — felons being basically out waiting trial,” UT San Antonio political science professor Jon Taylor said.

According to Taylor, immigration concerns fueled one bill.

READ MORE: Texas Senate votes in favor of proposals to deny bail to certain accused violent criminals

Senate Joint Resolution 1 denies bail for a person who is in the country illegally and charged with a felony. 

The bill was inspired by the 2024 murder of 12-year-old Joceyln Nungaray in Houston. Two Venezuelans who were in the U.S. illegally are charged in connection with her murder.

Senate Joint Resolution 5 would deny bond for suspects accused of felony sexual offenses, violent offenses and continuous trafficking of people.

The bills have support locally from the McAllen Professional Law Enforcement Association. In a statement to Channel 5 News, the association said they believe keeping repeat offenders off the streets could help prevent DWI accidents, burglaries and auto thefts.

“One arrest after another leads to a more severe incident such as a DWI offender out on bond that later causes a crash in which someone may be injured,” the association said in the statement. “Bail reform can create a more balanced and fair system that prioritizes the protection of the public and that will support the efforts of law enforcement in maintaining public safety."

According to Taylor, critics find some of the measures unconstitutional.

“When it comes to the two constitutional amendments that have been proposed, the question is whether or not it’s ignoring the presumption of innocence – that's part of our constitutional protections,” Taylor said.

The American Civil Liberties Union said they’re also worried the bills could potentially overcrowd local jails.

“Many are held because they are too poor to make bail,” ACLU policy analyst Nick Hudson said. “They’re presumed innocent and no risk to public safety. They remain in jail, losing jobs and families, and often emerge more likely to be involved in the criminal legal system in the future."

Senate joint resolutions 1 and 5 are proposed changes to the state constitution. Gov. Greg Abbott has said he supports the bills.

If they pass the state legislature, the final decision will be up to voters.

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