As jail populations rise, Bexar County officials ask Greg Abbott to reverse order suspending bail laws
SAN ANTONIO After previously expressing concern on the growing population at the Bexar County Jail, county officials sent a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday asking him to reverse an executive order that limits judges abilities to release inmates on personal bonds. The order suspended bail laws and bans judges from issuing personal recognizance bonds for people charged with or previously convicted of violent crimes. Abbott has previously said his order was done in the interest of safety and keeping violent criminals in jail amid the pandemic. The order has been challenged in courts by attorneys of inmates and Harris County judges, who allege the order creates an unconstitutional system that discriminates against poor people accused of crimes.