Hickman v. Texas (In Re Hickman)

BENAVIDES, Circuit Judge:

The State of Texas appeals the district court’s determination that the debt owed to it by Gina and Steven Hickman (“the Hickmans”) arising from bail bond forfeitures was dischargeable. The State argues that because the default of a bail bond is colloquially referred to as a “forfeiture,” a judgment against a bail bond surety should be nondischargeable under the plain language of § 523(a)(7). Section 523(a)(7) excepts from discharge certain debts for fines, penalties or forfeitures. The Hickmans argue, in response, that a debt incurred by a surety under a bail bond…