Texas voters are deciding this Tuesday whether judges should have expanded authority to deny bail to defendants accused of violent or sexual felonies — part of a sweeping constitutional amendment known as Proposition 3.

Expanded discretion for judges

If approved, judges could deny bail when they find the accused is likely to skip court or poses a clear threat to public safety.

The measure builds on earlier bail reforms by extending denial powers not just to repeat offenders, but also to first-time defendants charged with serious violent or sexual felonies.

Supporters cite public safety risks

Supporters say Proposition 3 would improve public safety by keeping high-risk defendants in custody before trial, expand judicial discretion to assess flight risk or community danger, and advance

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