TX SB956

Requires mandatory denial of bail for defendants accused of committing trafficking or sexual offenses against children while already released on bail for a similar offense, after a judge determines by preponderance of evidence the offense occurred while on bail

Covered offenses include aggravated kidnapping with intent to sexually abuse a child under 17, trafficking of persons, continuous sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child, sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual assault, burglary with intent to commit sexual offenses, compelling prostitution of a minor, and sexual performance by a child

Judges must admonish defendants granted bail for covered offenses that committing another similar offense while on bail will result in mandatory bail denial

Takes effect December 1, 2025, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment proposed by the 89th Legislature authorizing this bail denial provision

Applies only to persons arrested on or after the effective date; those arrested before remain governed by prior law