Smith County Man’s Case Draws the Governor’s Attention

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled a set of proposals to reform the bail system in Texas to protect law enforcement and the public. The Governor calls it the Damon Allen Act. Allen was a state trooper who was shot and killed in Freestone County following a traffic stop last Thanksgiving. Arrested was Dabrett Black, 33, of Lindale. The governor said, despite his previous criminal record, Black was released on bond because the justice of the peace in his case was unaware of his prior convictions. The Governors new proposals hopes to close that loophole. In early March Black, who is charged with capital murder, pleaded not guilty. His next pre trial hearing is set for September 27th.