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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
