By Anita Miller

There’s a new avenue for pre-trial detainees – who make up the majority of those incarcerated in Hays County Jail – to be released from custody and returned to their families, without experiencing any financial impact.

The community bond program was launched in the spring by the activist organization Mano Amiga, and as of last week had accomplished 16 releases and was expecting another 3 to 5 within the next seven days.

Funded by National Bail Project and the Rober...