The Professional Bondsmen of Texas- Blog

Linda Lois Traylor, born August 17, 1947 in Houston, TX, passed away on August 21, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 78. Linda was a beloved matriarch, a successful business owner for over 40 years, and a woman with a work ethic like no other. Tough but fair, she lived life with strength, humor, and generosity. Her quick wit and legendary joke-telling could light up any room. She believed in working hard and playing hard. She found joy in fishing and glamping by the lakes in her RV, as well as trips to the casino with friends. Cooking was her love language, and her southern-style dishes were cherished by all who gathered at her table. She entered and won many cooking contests, but her greatest reward was sharing meals with family and friends. Above all, Linda’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She survives and is deeply cherished by her children, David Yokem, Tammie Little and Michael Yokem. Her grandchildren Cody Yokem and wife Sarah, Brandon Little and wife Ti...

  This is a summary of the bail bills or bills that may relate to the bail industry that were enacted in the 2025 Texas Legislative Session. HB 1522-  This bill amended the Texas Open Meetings Act to change the notice requirement from 72 hours to 3 business days.  The biggest impact of this change will impact Bail Bond Board meetings.  The notice now must be posted 3 business days before the meeting.  A weekend cannot be counted in that time period. To see the final bill CLICK HERE .  HB 1778- This bill created Section 43.032 of the Texas Penal Code with creates a new offense "Continuous Promotion of Prostitution." Additionally, the bill amends article 17.081 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to add 43.032 to the list of offenses.  This section requires that for the list of offenses, the bail bond must include the address and driver's license number for the defendant and the surety.  Additionally, article 17.465 (b) of the Texas Code of Crim...

  SB 9-   This is the clean up bill for SB 6 that was passed 2 session ago.  This is a large bill and we will summarize the bill by sections. Section 1-    This section creates article 16.24 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.  The section requires that once the defendant enters a pretrial intervention program, the attorney representing the state or the attorney's designee who is responsible for monitoring the defendant's compliance SHALL enter the conditions in the appropriate statewide law enforcement information system maintained by DPS or modify or remove the information.   This section goes into effect January 1, 2026. Section 2-    Amends 17.021 of the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the public safety report.  The new portions of the report require it to state: (F)  whether the defendant is currently on community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision for an offense; (G)  whether the defenda...

HB 2697- This bill amended article 17.19 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.  Article 17.19 authorizes a surety or bail bondsman to file a request for a warrant with the magistrate or the trial court based upon some action on the part of the defendant.   The existing statute required the surety or bail bondsman to give notice of the request to the defense attorney if the defendant was represented by counsel.  That notice must comply with Rule 21a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.  Further, the statute requires that  the affidavit set out certain matters regarding the defendant including the reason why a warrant is needed. Section 17.19 states that if the request for a warrant meets the statutory requirements the trial court or magistrate must or shall issue a warrant of arrest for the defendant.   If the trial court refuses to issue a warrant, then the surety or bail bondsman has an affirmative defense to any subsequent failure to appear...

Anne Marie Schubert is a career prosecutor.  Schubert earned a bachelor's degree from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1986 and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco in 1989. Her career experience includes being the Sacramento County District Attorney, Supervising Deputy District Attorney of the Sacramento District Attorney's Office, and Deputy District Attorney of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Schubert has been a board member of the National District Attorneys Association and has been affiliated with Fight Crime: Invest in Kids and Stand Up for Victims. On this episode of The Bail Post we discuss how to identify soft on crime district attorneys and how to oppose them. Audio Podcast- Also available on- Apple Podcasts-            CLICK HERE Spotify-                        CLICK HERE Google Podcasts-        CLICK HERE Podcast Index...

  US President Donald Trump urged Republicans to act swiftly on ending sanctuary cities and  modifying no-cash bail policies on Monday, citing rising crime in Washington, DC. Speaking at a press conference, Trump claimed the city's murder rate is now higher than  Bogota, Colombia, and that car thefts have doubled while carjackings have more than tripled  over the past five years. He called for "rules and regulations" to restore order and said some  neighborhoods are under emergency curfews. To see more  CLICK HERE .

On this episode of The Bail Post we discuss the 2025 Texas Legislative Session to highlight the major bail bills and proposed constitutional amendments that were considered.  We highlight important changes to 17.19 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.  Also, we highlight, SJR 5, SB 9 and SB 40 that were passed this session.  Our guest are the PBT Legislative Committee Chair Cory Lee and former PBT Legislative Committee Chair Scott Walstad. Relevant Bills- SB 9 by Sen. Huffman-        CLICK HERE SB 40 by Sen. Huffman-      CLICK HERE SJR 5 by Sen. Huffman-    CLICK HERE HB 2697 by Rep. Anchia- CLICK HERE Audio Podcast- Also available on- Apple Podcasts-            CLICK HERE Spotify-                        CLICK HERE Google Podcasts-        CLICK HERE Podcast Index-    ...