S.B. No. 9 is a legislative bill designed to enhance the regulation of pretrial confinement and the operations of charitable bail organizations within the Texas criminal justice system. It introduces Article 16.24 to the Code of Criminal Procedure, requiring state attorneys to report conditions of pretrial intervention programs to a statewide database within ten business days. The bill also amends Article 17.021 to improve the public safety report system by mandating the inclusion of detailed defendant information, such as criminal history and eligibility for personal bonds. Additionally, it specifies conditions for releasing defendants charged with a felony while on bail for another felony and allows district judges to review bail decisions made by magistrates lacking jurisdiction.

The bill further establishes reporting requirements for charitable bail organizations, mandating monthly reports to the Office of Court Administration and local sheriffs, detailing defendants for whom bail bonds were paid. It prohibits magistrates from reducing bail amounts set by district court judges under certain conditions and requires that public safety considerations be taken into account before releasing defendants charged with felonies. Other amendments include enhanced victim notifications regarding bail settings and a timeline for the Texas Supreme Court to adopt necessary rules by October 1, 2025. The changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date, with specific provisions taking effect in 2025 and 2026.

Statutes affected:
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 72.038 (Government Code 72)
Engrossed: Government Code 72.038 (Government Code 72)
House Committee Report: Government Code 72.038 (Government Code 72)
Enrolled: Government Code 72.038 (Government Code 72)