SB 2047 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to liability of judges and magistrates for the improper release on personal bond of defendants accused of committing certain felony offenses.

SB 2047 allows victims of violent crimes (as defined by Texas law) or their estates to sue judges or magistrates who improperly released defendants on personal bond for certain felony offenses. It applies only when the offense involved violence (e.g., assault) and the release violated specific court procedures outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure. Victims may seek up to $10 million in damages, and judges cannot claim immunity as a defense. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to releases occurring after that date.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 7, 2025 Last action Mar 17, 2025
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Criminal Justice
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Paul Bettencourt
Paul Bettencourt
RRepublican
TX
7