What is one proposed reform in the criminal justice system in Texas?

Reducing mandatory minimum sentences has been a key focus of criminal justice reform efforts in Texas. This proposed reform is rooted in the belief that mandatory minimums can lead to unjust and disproportionately severe penalties for certain offenses, which can fill prisons with low-level offenders and drain state resources. By giving judges more discretion in sentencing, the reform aims to allow for more tailored punishments that take into account the individual circumstances of each case. This flexibility can help ensure that sentences more appropriately fit the crime, potentially leading to better rehabilitation outcomes and reducing the overall prison population.

While some options may touch on tough-on-crime policies or expanding punitive measures, the push for reducing mandatory minimums aligns with trends in criminal justice reform advocating for smarter justice that addresses the root causes of crime and prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.