DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unpaid traffic tickets or fines will no longer impede formerly incarcerated individuals from a fresh start after Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 569, officially known as the Bonton Farms Act, into law the second day of the special session.
The new legislation requires a judge or justice to credit a defendant for back time toward tickets, fines and warrants incurred before his or her incarceration. The inability to pay these fines builds a foundational barrier that prevents people from obtaining an updated license, which then leads to further barriers when seeking employment or housing.
Focused on improving the re-entry process, the Bonton Farms Act was born from a collaboration between Rep. Scott Sanford, R, and Daron Babcock, founder of Bonton Farms, an organic farm in southern Dallas that has grown to address inequities beyond food insecurity in the Bonton neighborhood.
After moving to Bonton and establishing Bonton Farms, Babcock soon realized that many of his employees faced fines from unpaid Class C misdemeanors or failing to make a court appearance while incarcerated. He began seeking solutions and secured a win with HB 569.
“While the bill references Bonton, we are just one example of neighborhoods being destroyed by racist inequities in this state. Our communities, city and state are better off and safer when everyone has a chance to flourish. The Bonton Farms Act will return hope to thousands,” said Babcock.
In Bonton, the life expectancy of male residents is 11.7 years less than the average life expectancy of men in Dallas County. Bonton’s zip code has the highest percent of population incarcerated of all 3,800 zip codes in the State of Texas.
“Our community in Bonton has been a product of the hardship faced by those returning home with fines and warrants holding them back from getting a fresh start. Because of this law, men and women in the state of Texas can return home, find redemption, and move forward ready and able to get back in society and build a new life,” said Clifton Reese, manager of community development at Bonton Farms.
While the bill did not pass when it was initially introduced in the 86th Legislative session, further development and growing bipartisan support led to its success this session. Senator Royce West of Dallas joined Rep. Sanford in sponsoring the bill, and an additional 20 cosponsors were added as well.
“Our neighbors who already have overcome this overpowering barrier finally feel heard with the passing of this law. Several of them didn't believe me when I told them their stories had the power to change things. Now, they are glad they spoke out. They feel like their personal battles were worth it. Many of them have family and friends that are still incarcerated, and they take pleasure in knowing that they have fought to help them,” said Babcock.
ABOUT BONTON FARMS
Since emancipation, racial injustice and systemic oppression have prevented opportunities in the southern Dallas neighborhood of Bonton that were a given elsewhere. Historically, residents have experienced higher rates of diabetes, stroke and cancer and significantly higher rates of poverty. They have been denied access to the seven human essentials that are necessary to survive and thrive: health and wellness, economic stability, safe and affordable housing, transportation, a sense of belonging, education and access to fair credit.
Bonton Farms has grown from a garden in a small lot to two fully functioning farms, a Farmer’s Market, a Café, Coffee House, and a transformational organization addressing the barriers that residents are up against in accessing all seven human essentials. Working alongside Bonton residents to transform the community, the people of Bonton Farms support their neighbors in redefining the norm. Today, healing is coming from within.
