AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 6, the bail reform bill, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:

“At the end of the 87th Regular Legislative Session, Democrats walked out of the Texas House, killing bail reform and other vital legislation. More Texans’ lives continue to be lost and victimized by crime since the regular session ended.

“In some Texas cities, repeat and violent offenders are being allowed to roam free on personal recognizance or very low bail, putting our communities and law enforcement at risk. Senate Bill 6, when finally passed, will stop that.

“Final passage of this bill into law will require House Democrats who have fled the state to return to Texas for a quorum. If they do not, this bill will die, but the Senate will pass SB 6 over and over until the House finally has a quorum.

“I appreciate Sen. Huffman’s continued leadership on this critical issue.”