Senate passes bill that could impact criminal courthouse revolving door that’s claimed 138 Harris Co. lives

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - 138 Harris County residents have lost their lives paying the ultimate price for felony bond reform.

Also on the list of victims is veteran HPD officer Bill Jeffrey.

RELATED: HPD Chief Finner, officers escort body of fallen officer William "Bill" Jeffrey

District Court Judge Greg Glass is taking heat for not denying bond to officer Jeffrey’s killer, Deon Ledet.

"Was not only on bond, yes he was on bond, but he was a career violent offender who should not have been out on the street. This officer should not have been murdered, it should not have happened," said Senator Joan Huffman. "We need to show some rage and anger."

RELATED: More than 130 Harris Co. residents have lost their lives to violent offenders out on bond

"We don’t need any more headlines, we need this last solution to go into place," said Senator Paul Bettencourt. "We don’t need anyone else killed."

Another recently passed law will stop judges from granting personal recognizance bonds to defendants charged with violent crimes. It also mandates judges review a defendant’s criminal history.

BREAKING BOND: MORE REPORTS ON SUSPECTS COMMITTING CRIMES WHILE OUT ON BOND 

This constitutional amendment will give judges more discretion to deny bonds to some defendants. 

"If it does finally get passed, and the governor does sign it, it’s up to voters to decide whether they believe judges should have discretion not to give bond to offenders charged with violent offenses," said Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers.