A bail bond must be made payable to which entity?

A bail bond serves as a financial guarantee that a defendant will appear in court as scheduled after being released from custody. The correct answer identifies that a bail bond must be made payable to the State of Texas. This reflects the legal framework governing bail in the state, as it ensures that the bond is tied to state interests, which are responsible for enforcing the judicial process and ensuring accountability.

When a defendant posts bail, the money or collateral is secured for the benefit of the state, indicating that the money is held until the legal processes are completed. If the defendant fails to appear in court, the state has the authority to forfeit the bail bond, leading to legal and financial repercussions for the defendant or surety company.

Understanding the specific entity to which the bail bond is payable is crucial for the proper administration of justice and the enforcement of court mandates. Each of the other options mentioned does not reflect the legal requirements surrounding bail bonds in Texas: local governments and individual judges may be involved in the judicial process, but they do not directly receive the financial guarantees offered by bail bonds. Arresting officers have no role in the financial arrangements of bail.