HB2697 - Relating to certain procedures in connection with a bond forfeiture.

      H.B. No. 2697         AN ACT   relating to certain procedures in connection with a bond   forfeiture.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Article 17.19, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to   read as follows:          (a)   Subject to Subsection (a-1), a  [ Any ] surety that wants [ ,   desiring ] to surrender the surety's [ his ] principal and has   notified [ after notifying ] the principal's attorney, if the   principal is represented by an attorney, in a manner provided by   Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, of the surety's intention   to surrender the principal, may file an affidavit of that [ such ]   intention before the court or magistrate before which the   prosecution is pending.  The affidavit must state:                (1)  the court and cause number of the case;                (2)  the name of the defendant;                (3)  the offense with which the defendant is charged;                (4)  the date of the bond;                (5)  the cause for the surrender; and                (6)  that notice of the surety's intention to surrender   the principal has been given as required by this subsection and   Subsection (a-1), if applicable .           (a-1)     If the offense with which the defendant is charged is   classified as a felony under the Penal Code, in addition to   satisfying the requirements provided by Subsection (a), a surety   must, before filing the affidavit described by that subsection,   notify the attorney representing the state with jurisdiction in the   case of the surety's intention to surrender the principal.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 2697 was passed by the House on May 8,   2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 144, Nays 1, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 2697 was passed by the Senate on May   23, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor