This report highlights several existing successful restorative justice programs in Texasand offers recommendations based on effective restorative practices in other jurisdictions.Because crime is first and foremost an offense against the victim – victims shouldbe provided with enhanced restitution, greater input in sentencing, and a mechanism forsecuring prosecution when local prosecutors decline to act.With the state’s prisons approaching capacity with 150,000 inmates and more than half amillion Texans on parole or probation, the key to reducing long-term incarceration andsupervision costs is lowering the recidivism rate through initiatives such as victim-offender interaction programsthat emphasize accountability and penance.
Local Government
May 2026 Bond Election Report
Although there have been many strides taken at the state level to reduce the property tax burden, local governments’ incessant and reckless spending continues to drive up the bill. Key points: In May 2026, Texas voters considered 439 bonds. Of those, 233 were approved. The passage rate for bond propositions for the May 2026 cycle...
November 3, 2026