Bills that Strengthen Pre-Trial Procedures  
 
1.       HB 2674 by Alonzo, Relating to the applicability of hearsay rules in proceedings regarding bail.
 
Analysis: Restricts hearsay evidence at bail hearings to prevent shaky evidence from justifying the denial of bail.
   
 
2.       HB 2675 by Alonzo, Relating to pretrial hearings in criminal cases.
 
Analysis: Requires judges to hold pre-trial hearings on the request of the prosecution or defense at least 30 days before trial, which ensures that defendants’ potential innocence claims aren’t ignored and also reduces the chance that appellate courts later would overturn cases because a judge improperly refused to grant one.
 
  
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