Austin – Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, surrounded by sheriffs from her district and around the state, filed House Bill 1335 on behalf of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. The association was recognized by the Texas Legislature on the same day. While at the Capitol, the sheriffs lobbied the Legislature on issues important to law enforcement.

The number one priority for the association is Toureilles’ H.B. 1335, also called the “Blue Warrant Bill”. The bill is intended to help local law enforcement better manage the high cost of operating their jail facilities. “I believe it is important to help our law enforcement officers better utilize their limited resources in a manner that will make our communities safer,” Rep. Toureilles said.

H.B. 1335 allows a magistrate to post bond for detainees who are arrested for an administrative violation of release. However, it must be determined that the detainee does not pose a threat to public safety and could not have initially been convicted of a felony or an offense involving family violence. “Texas jails are 86 percent full,” Toureilles said. “If Texas counties can free up space for the most violent criminals, the savings statewide could total $50 million dollars per year.”

The sheriffs’ delegation from District 35 included Bee County Sheriff Carlos Carrizales, Goliad County Sheriff Kirby Brumby, Jim Wells County Sheriff Oscar Lopez, Karnes County Sheriff David Jalufka, Live Oak County Sheriff Larry Busby and McMullen County Sheriff Bruce Thomas.

Toureilles encourages her constituents to contact her and her staff by calling toll free at 1-800-240-2294.