One of the most important functions of government is the fair administration and enforcement of laws, both criminal and civil. The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute’s Criminal Justice and Government Reform Task Force focuses on these issues.

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One major policy area is the proliferation of marijuana-adjacent products taking advantage of changes made to Texas law, particularly regarding hemp. Texas remains a jurisdiction in which marijuana possession and consumption are illegal, and its laws should be consistent.

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Border security remains an area in which state policy must remain strong, especially with the presumptive support of a new administration in Washington D.C.

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Bail reform in Texas is long overdue. Too many violent criminals go on to commit additional violent acts after being released pending trial.

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Property rights around the country are being violated by “squatters” who have no legal right to occupy a person’s property, yet in jurisdictions around the country, including Texas, they have successfully asserted such a right.

Texas is also experiencing an increase in criminal activity in narrow areas. Like catalytic converter theft before, copper wire theft is on the rise.

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Election Integrity also remains an important area of concern. Texas can do more to ensure that elections are fair, secure, and trustworthy.

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Over the course of the 88th Legislative Session’s Interim, TCCRI held meetings to discuss many of these topics. Those meetings informed the research and policy proposals contained in this report, as did TCCRI’s research and work in other areas, including legislative testimony, white papers, and public policy summits. TCCRI hopes that you find the research and policy proposals helpful and informative.