Debtors’ Prison Teach-in with Sen. Rodney Ellis

The Texas Organizing Project and state Sen. Rodney Ellis present a teach-in on debtors’ prison, bail reform, and the public defenders’ office.

According to the Houston Chronicle, more than 6,600 people, or about three-quarters of the inmates at the jail complex on the north side of downtown Houston are waiting to go to trial. Each one costs taxpayers about $45 a day.

It is common for the court system to use fines, many that come with penalties for tardiness attached and easily add up as punishments for minor offenses. Under these practices, people are jailed unconstitutionally for failure to pay. Those jailed then face the increased risk of losing their jobs and their homes.

Come learn about what can be done to fix this broken system.