HB 2287
AN ACT relating to liability of judges and magistrates for the improper
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Allows victims of violent crimes (or their estates) to sue judges or magistrates who improperly release defendants on personal bonds, if the released individual subsequently commits another violent offense. Victims can seek damages up to $10 million and judges cannot claim judicial immunity as a defense, effectively holding judicial officials directly accountable for potentially dangerous release decisions. The law applies to personal bond releases on or after September 1, 2025, and specifically targets situations where a judge releases a defendant in violation of existing criminal procedure guidelines.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to liability of judges and magistrates for the improper release on personal bond of defendants accused of committing BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Title 5, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended by adding Chapter 108A to read as follows: CHAPTER 108A. PUBLIC SERVANT LIABILITY Sec. 108A.001. LIABILITY OF JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE FOR IMPROPER RELEASE. (a) A victim of an offense that was committed by a person while the person was released on personal bond, or the victim's estate if the victim is deceased, may bring a cause of action against the judge or magistrate who released the person on personal bond for damages incurred as a result of the offense if: (1) the offense for which the person was released on personal bond is an offense involving violence, as defined by Article 17.03, Code of Criminal Procedure; and (2) the judge or magistrate released the defendant on personal bond in violation of Article 17.03(b-2), Code of Criminal (b) The amount of damages awarded in an action brought under this section may not exceed $10 million. (c) A judge or magistrate may not assert judicial immunity or other forms of immunity as a defense to an action brought under (d) Section 108.002 does not apply to an action brought SECTION 2. Section 108A.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, as added by this Act, applies only with respect to the release of a person on personal bond on or after the effective date of this SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to liability of judges and magistrates for the improper
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.