AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Senate Bill 9 goes into effect April 4, preventing the pre-trial release of individuals charged with violent crimes, including aggravated assault and sexual assault.
The bill will also prohibit the release of inmates with prior felonies.
As of Dec. 8, the Potter County Jail had a headcount of 592 inmates, a number that could potentially spike when the bill goes into effect.
While this bill focuses on keeping dangerous individuals off the street, jails must adapt or face overcrowding.
“It’s a significant, major net positive for public safety, but there is a cost associated with that. As it was discussed in commissioner’s court in Potter County, like I think most other counties in the state of Texas, going through the throws of what do we do with our jail population, I think it’s going to be fair to say that there will be a significant increase in jail population,” said Jason Herring, 47th District Attorney, Potter and Armstrong Counties.
Randall County expanded its jail earlier this year, adding 96 additional beds.
Potter County says it will continue to discuss expansion, or a new jail altogether, at its next commissioner’s court meeting.
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