On November 4, Texans will vote on Proposition 3, a constitutional amendment that would require judges to deny bail to people accused of certain felonies. At first glance, this might sound like “getting tough on crime.” But in reality, it strips away the ability of judges, the people closest to the details of each case, to make individualized decisions about who should or should not be released before trial.

The Libertarian Party of Texas opposes Proposition 3 because it replaces judgment with mandates. Our platform is clear: government power should be limited and decisions should be made as close to the individual as possible. By forcing the denial of bail, this amendment treats every accused person the same, regardless of the circumstances, and ignores the presumption of innocence.

Judges already have the authority to deny bail when evidence shows a credible threat. What Proposition 3 does is remove their discretion and impose a one-size-fits-all rule dictated from Austin. Instead of empowering communities and courts to weigh the facts, it ties their hands and expands state power at the expense of liberty.

This is not about protecting Texans—it’s about government distrusting its own people and its own courts. A system that mandates outcomes rather than allowing for judgment cannot deliver justice.

Libertarians believe Texans deserve laws that respect due process, protect individual rights, and allow for human judgment, not rigid dictates. Proposition 3 fails that test.

This November, stand for liberty, fairness, and the freedom to judge cases on their facts. Vote NO on Proposition 3.