After denying a request to release Dallas County inmates over coronavirus concerns, Judge Ada Brown released her opinion explaining her decision.
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IssuesLocal NewsTimeline: The Battle to Release Harris County Inmates During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Holly HansenApril 22, 2020
Here's a look at the battle between state and local officials over whether to release inmates from Harris County jails in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
IssuesDallas County Inmates Seek Release Due to Coronavirus Dangers, State of Texas Intervenes
Kim RobertsApril 16, 2020
Several inmates are suing Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown for the immediate release of inmates due to coronavirus concerns.
IssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsFederal Judge Rejects Demand to Order Release of Harris County Jail Inmates Over Coronavirus Concerns
Holly HansenApril 15, 2020
Motions demanding the emergency release of as many as 4,000 suspects detained in the Harris County Jail system have been rejected.
IssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsTexas Supreme Court Keeps Governor Abbott Order Prohibiting Release of Violent Suspects In Place For Now
Holly HansenApril 13, 2020
After a Travis County district court tried to block Governor Abbott's order stopping the release of violent suspects, the Texas Supreme Court issued a stay.
Local NewsStatewide NewsDistrict Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Halting Prohibition on “Violent Felon” Release
Holly HansenApril 11, 2020
The next move will come from the Texas Supreme Court which could affirm or overturn the district court's temporary restraining order.
IssuesLocal NewsBREAKING: Court Order Halts Harris County Plan to Release Jail Inmates
Holly HansenApril 3, 2020
After volleys between the county judge, sheriff, governor, and attorney general, Harris County plans to release felony suspects have been halted.
HealthcareIssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsBREAKING: Federal Judge Allows State to Join Lawsuit on Release of Inmates in Harris County
Holly HansenMarch 31, 2020
State leaders are set to intervene in a case regarding the release of inmates in the Harris County jail system as the coronavirus crisis continues.
IssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsGovernor Abbott, Attorney General Paxton Seek to Intervene in Harris County Lawsuit on Broad-Scale Jail Release
Holly HansenMarch 30, 2020
Gov. Abbott blocked the release of inmates and joined Attorney General Paxton in a Harris County filing that says releases will violate state law, jeopardize public safety, and amount to collusion.
Elections 2020FederalIssuesStatewide NewsNew Voting Rights Bill Would Expand Federal Involvement in Texas Elections, Divides Along Party Lines
Holly HansenJanuary 8, 2020
House Democrats passed an expanded Voting Rights Act in December that would increase federal oversight in Texas elections. Many Republicans have expressed concerns over its provisions.
IssuesLocal NewsHarris County District Attorney’s Race a Political Free-for-All
Holly HansenDecember 6, 2019
Incumbent District Attorney Kim Ogg is facing challengers from her right and left in what will be a key and consequential race for Texas' most populous county.
IssuesLocal NewsHarris County Bail Reform Could Have Far-Reaching Consequences for Community Safety
Holly HansenNovember 4, 2019
The consent decree would result in most pre-trial misdemeanor arrestees to be released as soon as practicable after arrest. One arrestee released under this bail reform approach allegedly murdered his wife and unborn child.
IssuesLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingHarris County Approves Controversial Bail Bond Settlement Providing Financial Assistance to Some Arrestees
Holly HansenAugust 7, 2019
The new bail bond settlement requires $6.2 million in financial assistance to some misdemeanor arrestees to mitigate lack of transportation, childcare, phone, and permanent housing.