IN SESSION
A JAD
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Harris County, Texas, is striving to lead in criminal justice innovation in the United States. The efforts described in this NEWSLETTER represent JAD's work for the Harris County Commissioners Court, and only a selection of JAD's pioneering policy work. In the coming months and years, JAD will continue to build coalitions with local stakeholders, identify successful initiatives from other jurisdictions and forge innovative, evidence-based reforms from the ground up. |
|
|
Harris County Welcomes In New Houston Police Chief, Troy Finner |
|
Police Chief Troy Finner is Houston!
By: John Cannon, HPD
|
|
Born in Houston’s Fifth Ward and raised in the Hiram Clarke area of the city, Chief Finner became a Houston police officer in 1990 to protect and serve his city.
After serving HPD for 31 years, he was appointed and sworn in as Chief of Police on April 5, 2021.
Chief Finner’s priority is to reduce violent crime in our city, but to do that he says we all need to work together: the police, citizens, and our federal and state law enforcement partners.
“We are looking forward to strengthening our partnerships with those in the criminal justice system, including our partners at the Harris County Justice Administration Department (JAD),” said Chief Finner. “We need a unified approach to help keep our city safe and thank JAD for working with us.”
|
|
Congratulations to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez |
|
White House Nominates Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez to Lead ICE |
Last month the White House announced that President Biden is nominating as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was elected sheriff of Harris County, which includes the city of Houston, in 2016 and reelected in 2020. It is the largest sheriff's force in Texas and the third-largest in the nation with some 5,000 employees.
If confirmed, Gonzalez will oversee an agency with over 20,000 employees and an annual budget of $8 billion. It manages the world’s largest immigration jails and includes Homeland Security Investigations, which covers crimes that include, money laundering, human smuggling, and child pornography.
|
|
POLICY BRIEFCASE
News & Information on Policy Work by JAD
|
|
HARRIS COUNTY AWARDED ADDITIONAL $500,000 BY MACARTHUR FOUNDATION SAFETY AND JUSTICE CHALLENGE TO
RETHINK LOCAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
By: Stephanie Armand, JAD
|
|
“Now more than ever, we must confront the devastating impacts of mass incarceration by a system that over-polices and over-incarcerates Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other people of color,” said Laurie Garduque, MacArthur Foundation’s Director of Criminal Justice. “Over the past five years, the Safety and Justice Challenge has safely reduced the ineffective and harmful use of jails, while learning that jail population reduction alone does not undo the racial inequities perpetuated by an unjust system and our nation’s history of systemic racism. We are committed to supporting cities and counties as they reimagine a definition of safety that is inclusive of all communities and makes meaningful progress towards our goal of ending racial and ethnic disparities in jails."
|
|
In 2016, Harris County was one of 11 sites selected to participate in the Safety + Justice Challenge (SJC); to implement reforms to safely reduce Harris County’s jail population and address racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system. This SJC grant is part of a national initiative to reduce over-incarceration and advance racial equity in local criminal justice systems by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.
"The Safety and Justice Challenge has been crucial to our efforts to reduce our reliance on the criminal legal system and eliminate unnecessary incarceration in Harris County, especially with the added safety concerns at our jail during the COVID-19 pandemic. This additional support will help us continue our efforts to reimagine public safety and criminal justice so that all communities are safe and able to thrive.” – said Commissioner Rodney Ellis.
Since the launch of this initiative, the MacArthur Foundation has expanded to include 51 jurisdictions in 32 states supporting efforts with the local leaders and the community to rethink the criminal justice system, safely reduce the jail population, and eliminate racial inequities.
“The strategies we implemented in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation played a big role in helping the Harris County Jail avoid a potentially catastrophic overcrowding situation during the pandemic,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “At a time when our criminal courts were forced to halt jury trials and delay hearings, we significantly decreased the number of people booked into jail for minor, non-violent offenses and instead diverted them to the services they need to get their lives back on track. We are grateful for the MacArthur Foundation’s investment in making Harris County safer for everyone.”
The SJC grant award will fund the following strategies: Collaborating with a consultant to conduct comprehensive reporting of racial and ethnic disparities across all criminal justice system decision points, including identifying the root causes of the disparities and policy recommendations to reduce and eliminate disparities; Increase funding for micro-grants to fund community organizations to enhance their voice and capacity to provide direct services, and Expand supported pre-trial release opportunities for young adult felony offenders that connect them to community-based organizations and supportive services.
To view the official press release announcement click here.
|
|
U-Visa Program Presented to Commissioners Court
By: Veronyka James, PhD, JAD
On November 10, 2020, Commissioners Court, approved a motion made by Commissioner Garcia to assist Harris County residents who have been impacts by crime but fear reaching out to law enforcement due to immigration status. The motion instructed the Justice Administration Department (JAD) to draft a model procedure for law enforcement agencies for processing requests for completion of Form I-918B (i.e., “law enforcement certification), and the promotion of said procedure to local law enforcement agencies.
On March 30, 2021, the Justice Administration Department presented their U-Visa report to Commissioners Court which discussed the U-Visa, the inconsistencies with certification policies within the nation and in Harris County, and provided recommendations on the federal, state, and local levels. During Court, advocates suggested amendments to the model policy submitted as part of the report. JAD is committed to survivors of crime and will be working with advocates to amend this policy and the report to incorporate their feedback.
JAD will continue to meet with the advocates to discuss this critical issue and disseminate the amended report to all law enforcement and community partners.
To view the PowerPoint, click here.
|
|
Community Engagement Awards
By Brandi Ebanks Copes, JAD
|
Last Fall, JAD requested proposals from organizations working to address racial and ethnic disparities within our criminal justice system, improve safety in communities across the County and contribute to positive outcomes for program participants by decreasing an individual’s engagement with the justice system. Organizations were invited to apply for work that addressed one or more of the following target areas:
- Build the capacity for underrepresented populations to engage in community dialogues and criminal justice-focused education. Applicable services include but are not limited to community advocacy trainings, restorative justice practices, and the development of educational materials for the community about racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system.
- Barrier removal to create paths to avoid system re-involvement. Applicable services include, but are not limited to, support justice-involved individuals in ascertaining employment, expungement services, identification (ID) restoration services, and/or housing support.
- Barrier removal for survivors of crime, victims, and victims’ advocacy addressing the needs of those affected by crime. Applicable services include, but are not limited to, housing support, connections to legal services, and restorative justice practices.
The grantees will deliver direct services across all of the target areas. The Beacon of Downtown Houston will work to expand its existing work to restore identification for individuals. The Center for Urban Transformation will expand its support of juvenile diversion and restorative justice practices. Tahirih Justice Center will initiate new work to support survivors of violence. Implementation of the grants is expected by summer 2021.
As each grant moves into implementation, regular reporting on progress and performs will occur through the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee.
|
|
|
|
ODonnell Public Meeting
By: Bryonne "Bree" Cummings
|
All parties of the ODonnell Consent Decree recognize that the input and involvement of the residents of Harris County will be essential to meaningful and lasting reform and to encourage effective ongoing monitoring, and evaluation of the system.
The Harris County Justice Administration Department (JAD) is committed to involving community members in the implementation and monitoring process. JAD began hosting semiannual meetings, virtually until further notice, October 2020.
|
|
The most recent meeting was held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 11:30 am via WebEx. Federal Court Monitor Brandon Garrett and Deputy Monitor Sandra Guerra-Thompson presented the major consent decree accomplishments over the last six months and their findings. Rachel Fraser, County Attorney, presented on the role of Office of Harris County Attorney in the implementation of the consent decree as well as Victoria Jimenez, Director of Legal Service, from Harris County Sheriff’s Office and presiding Judge Sedrick Walker from Harris County Criminal Courts at Law. At the conclusion of the presentation, all presenters responded to questions from the community. The next meeting will be in October 2021.
|
|
JAD and HPD Build a Collaborative Relationship
By: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Duemig, JAD
|
The meeting was a successful introduction between the two agencies focusing on finding ways to help each other address concerns around public safety and criminal justice issues in Harris County.
As an introductory discussion, members of the JAD team discussed on-going research, some recent reports published and highlighted data on bonding practices, the length of time it takes to dispose of cases, the length of time persons are on pretrial awaiting disposition, the limits on the ability to safely hold jury trials, and efforts underway to address these challenges.
HPD shared their concern for public safety. The department is currently challenged with the task of handling a rise in violent crime with limited staffing. They discussed how the backlog of cases in the court system adds stress to the workload and morale of officers. They mentioned the formation of a victim services initiative, that they were in favor of diversion programs, and that they were thankful for the opportunity to be brought into these types of productive discussions.
This initial meeting was a good start to having a collaborative, problem-solving-oriented relationship to address the criminal justice challenges facing Houston and Harris County.
|
|
JAD Staff Tours Harris County Joint Processing Center
and Diversion Center
By: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Duemig, JAD
|
|
On April 28th, members of the JAD team toured two Houston facilities that provide services for those brought into the criminal justice system. The Joint Processing Center (JPC) serves as a multi-agency intake facility for individuals under arrest and need diversion services. While inside the JPC, JAD staff observed officers and arrestees working through the intake process including Houston PD, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Constables, and Texas DPS Troopers. Captain Vine of the HCSO walked members of JAD through the various processes that individuals can take when brought to the JPC.
|
|
In the photo, from left to right are: Evelyn Locklin, Sgt R.H. Lomelo, Elizabeth Duemig (JAD) & Bryronne Cummings (JAD)
|
|
The tour of the JPC included various pathways that individuals can be directed through the physical facility. Areas of the process that were noteworthy for JAD members were observing pre-trial services areas and the structure and availability of court access in the facility. Additionally, a comprehensive re-entry services desk is situated at the release area that can provide individuals exiting the facility to obtain a recognized TX identification card, health insurance if needed, transportation to appropriate or needed safe locations. This resource is staffed by individuals ready to help find ways to help those exiting the facility with the services that will help them get the basics they need so that they do not find themselves returning.
JAD staff traveled to the Harris Center and Jail Diversion Center. The facility tour included sections of housing that included various sections of beds to provide different types of services to help individuals from a non-custodial position get needed support services. They highlighted that those diverted to the center are not under arrest and depending on the service can stay at the location from a few days up to 6 months. This facility allows individuals to acquire services that range from psychological, medical, and life skills development.
|
|
IN FOCUS
Spotlight on Media & News Announcements
|
|
LEARN ABOUT THE COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) PROCESS WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT AND REDEFINING YOUTH JUSTICE COALITION
By: JAD, Redefining Youth Justice Coalition, and Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
The Justice Administration Department (JAD), Redefining Youth Justice Coalition, and Harris County Juvenile Probation Department invited community members to engage in free Coach Up sessions in April. The Coach Ups are meant to assist interested community members in navigating the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. These sessions will prepare community members and organizations to apply as a vendor for various opportunities, such as the future procurement for an intermediary to lead the Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Fund.
The Coach Ups allow organizations to discuss the general RFP process at length through a mock demonstration. The goal is to provide organizations that attend the Coach Up greater clarity and insight into the JAD’s approach to funding solicitation services.
Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Fund: The first of its kind in Texas, will re-envision public safety for youth in Harris County by investing in community programs that prevent youth involvement in crime and prevent youth incarceration. The Youth Justice Community Reinvestment Fund aims to address racial disparities in juvenile detention and is part of a bold new approach to justice that begins with investing in communities most impacted by incarceration.
|
|
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council is seeking Community
Members for the Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee
By: Laura Lucas and Brandi Ebanks Copes, JAD
|
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) seeks community members to form the Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee.
The newly re-instated Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee of the CJCC focuses on identifying and addressing racial and ethnic disparities throughout the criminal justice system and facilitating initiatives meant to advance equity by implementing meaningful community engagement strategies. The Committee will consist of 13 Community Stakeholders and four appointed Harris County agency representatives.
Applicants may include representatives of community groups, service providers working with justice-involved individuals, members of the criminal justice system, including advocates/advocacy groups, subject-matter experts, and other individuals committed to advancing solutions to the racial and ethnic disparities. Preference will be given to those applicants that have lived experience with the criminal justice system.
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring geographic representation from parts of the county most impacted by the criminal justice system. Individuals with lived experience such as justice-involved individuals and individuals affected by crime/violence are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should be residents of Harris County and/or be able to demonstrate that their relevant work/service experience has a significant impact in Harris County (please provide concrete examples of impact in Harris County and services provided to Harris County residents). Committee members should be available to dedicate at least 8 hours per month to the Committee's work.
The Application Process: For those applying, you have a choice of a written application or uploading a video application. The application period begins on Monday, April 19, 2021. Both written and video applications are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, April 30, 2021.
To learn more about the application process, click here to view a virtual Q&A. For more information, please send all questions directly to Karen Evans, Community Engagement Manager, via email to karen.evans@jad.hctx.net.
About Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee: The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) recently approved the plan to reinstate the Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee, formally named the Racial and Ethnic Disparity Committee (RED). The new structure will consist of a 17-member Committee partially composed of 13- community representatives. The remaining four vacancies will be filled by representatives from the Justice Administration Department (JAD), Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Houston Police Department (HPD), and Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD).
The Committee will aim to support community-led initiatives that: 1) educate the public about the criminal justice system and increase transparency, 2) develop interventions that mitigate disparities, and 3) Increase public safety by advancing best practices.
|
|
IN THE NEWS
Media Articles
|
|
Media Coverage on the Harris County Crime Statistics and
Bail Reform Memo
|
|
|
|
Community Impact Newspaper
|
|
POLICY BYTE
Data & Analytics News-Bytes
|
|
Sneak Peek at the Misdemeanor and Felony Bond Data
By: Laura Hogan, JAD
|
|
The JAD Data & Technology is putting the finishing touches on visualizations and data summarization for both Misdemeanor and Felony Bond releases and approvals since 2015. When published, this data visualization and summary will provide much-needed transparency and valuable insight into the state of Harris County district courts pertaining to all bond types. Below is a sample of the elements that will be published later in May 2021. |
|
JUSTICE LEAGUE
A Spotlight on work being accomplished by
Harris County Justice Departments
|
|
Harris County Pretrial Services to Pilot GPS/Victim Notification
By: Spurgeon Kennedy, PTS
|
|
A priority for the Harris County Pretrial Services (HCPS) executive team is streamlining and targeting resources to assist defendants most likely to miss scheduled court dates and manage individuals most likely to be rearrested pretrial. To this end, Interim Directors Jim Bethke and Spurgeon Kennedy have discussed with judges focusing higher-end supervision strategies—such as electronic surveillance—on cases where victim and witness safety is of greater concern.
One promising strategy that HCPS will pilot—along with JAD, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council—in May 2021 would alert victims and complainants when a defendant on electronic surveillance is within a certain distance of them. The system involves specialized GPS tracking equipment and an application downloaded to an Android or iPhone device. The “app” is set to the GPS device’s frequency and alerts the user when the device is within a pre-determined distance. The user can call 911 and a second pre-determined contact; for example, HCPS or the District Attorney‘s Office.
During the pilot, volunteer HCPS and JAD staff either will “wear” the GPS device or download the notification app. Those with the app will be alerted when a GPS device is within a specific range and e-mail the pilot lead, Spurgeon Kennedy, when they receive an alert. The pilot will allow HCPS to test the accuracy of the devices, set an appropriate budget with the vendor for services needed, and identify the defendant population most suitable for specialized surveillance.
If the pilot is successful, HCPS will add “GPS/Victim notification” to its supervision protocol. The DAO will also incorporate identifying suitable defendants and cases for this technology into its case screening procedure. Co-Directors Bethke and Kennedy also will instruct the judiciary on this new supervision strategy and continue their discussions with the bench on how to target high-end surveillance to those cases with victim-witness safety concerns.
|
|
AROUND THE COUNTY
What’s Happening Around Harris County
|
|
Precinct 2 Brings Vaccines to You
By Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia
|
|
You may have noticed recently that there’s no longer a vaccine waitlist at vaccine mega-sites like Harris County’s at NRG Stadium. Now, at ReadyHarris.org you can pick the day and time that works best for you, and those who want a COVID vaccination don’t have to spend hours and stress waiting online for the very moment slots open. Most vaccination sites now are accepting walk-ins without previous registration and appointments! This is fantastic news for folks who need the flexibility to just show up and get their shots.
In Precinct 2, we mobilized quickly for the first wave of vaccinations, however, now we’re quickly adjusting to vaccinate people who might be less able to visit county-sponsored shot sites. Some are perhaps hesitant about getting the shots that will save lives. Others simply can’t get to mega-sites like NRG Stadium twice a month for their shots. For those who live in Precinct 2 but are not able to commit three or more hours on a workday to get to a vaccine site because of access to reliable transportation and limited Metro routes, residents living at the outer edges of our precinct needed us to come to them.
For these reasons, I’ve tasked the Precinct 2 team to bring vaccines directly to the communities I serve. Under the management of our talented Director of Health Services, Chara Bowie, Precinct 2 has coordinated more than 15,000 shots in the arms of people who previously couldn’t get them. In Aldine alone, a Precinct 2 partnership with UHP Health (operators of the SmartPod Access2Health) has supported more than 2,500 vaccine shots at North East Community Center, where we are doing regular vaccinations multiple days per week. We also do regular vaccination events in Pasadena as part of this partnership.
To view and read the full article, click here.
|
|
The Harris County Domestic Violence High-Risk Team’s (DVHRT) Collaborative Work Leads to a Ring Donation to Help Increase Survivor Safety Measures
by Alicia Nuzzie, HCDVCC
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC), an organization created to improve systemic responses to domestic violence, and who houses the Harris County Domestic Violence High-Risk Team (DVHRT) initiative of which the Justice Administration Department (JAD) is a part of along with many other county agencies, recently received a donation from Ring to supplement the safety tools that comprise the work of DVHRT to increase safety and accountability and decrease and prevent domestic violence homicides. On April 19, 2021, RING announced a donation to HCDVCC of 500 devices to Harris County for this collaborative work, including Ring Video Doorbells, Security Cameras, and a free Ring Protect subscription plan for the life of each donated device.
The Harris County Domestic Violence High-Risk Team (DVHRT) frequently includes Ring devices in comprehensive safety kits when working with high-risk domestic violence survivors, and it was this work that impressed RING personnel to initiate a donation. With this donation, HCDVCC and the Harris County DVHRT can continue to provide these resources to individuals who are in high-risk domestic violence situations. The devices are part of an array of measures and tools HCDVCC advocates and DVHRT partners offer when working with these survivors.
"HCDVCC is an incredible organization that provides vital support services to survivors on a daily basis," said Leila Rouhi, President of Ring. “We share HCDVCC’s passion for bringing community stakeholders together to make a meaningful impact and believe everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their home. We’re proud to support HCDVCC in advancing their mission and, as they’ve shared, to help survivors feel more comfortable and keep their families safe.”
HCDVCC will expand and maximize the donation through partnering with other DV agencies to extend the reach broadly across Harris and contiguous counties. HCDVCC serves as a conduit for ensuring that we continue to administer victim support programs and services that increase access to services and safety and also reduce and prevent domestic violence homicides.
|
|
The Harris County Jail System was recognized by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for being in Compliance with Jail standards
By: Laura Lucas, JAD
|
|
The Harris County Jail System was recognized by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for being in Compliance with jail standards.
This recognition comes following a re-inspection after the jail was found in non-compliance a few weeks prior.
“I want to commend our team of detention officers, deputies, support staff, and leaders at all levels for their collective efforts to ensure the Harris County Jail meets or exceeds all state standards,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “We remain committed to making our jail a model facility.”
The Harris County Jail is the largest jail in Texas, and the third-largest in the nation, with a current population of just over 9,000 and a facility that square footage is over 600,000.
This acknowledgment comes a few short months following the appointment of Shannon Herklotz, Chief of Detentions, Criminal Justice Command with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
|
|
“I want to commend our team for pulling together to ensure our jail operates at a high level in spite of the challenges presented by the pandemic, crowded conditions, and natural disasters. I want to personally thank all of our detention staff and supervisors for stepping up to ensure we regained our TCJS compliance. Bravo on a job well done!!” - Shannon J. Herklotz, Chief of Detentions, Criminal Justice Command.
Herklotz was appointed in January as a civilian administrator overseeing the jail system. He is a former state jail inspector who has worked for the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for over 20 years.
|
|
Youth Advocacy- Artivism, a Virtual Art Show by Incarcerated Youth.
By: Dianna Williams, Grassroots Leadership/Texas Advocates for Justice
|
|
On May 13, 2021 at 5pm, Grassroots Leadership, Texas Advocates for Justice in collaboration with The Children’s Prison Arts Project (CPAP), will hold a virtual art show, Youth Advocacy- Artivism.
There will be guest poets and a showcase of artwork, narrated by CPAP.
The artwork is done by youth incarcerated in the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center. Through the program that CPAP provides and the guidance of Ms. Birgit Walker, the youth are introduced to a visual arts forum where they can express their thoughts and visions constructively.
The registration link will be posted soon on Facebook.
|
|
JAD Team Runs The Harris County Superhero Virtual 5K |
|
The 2021 Harris County Employee 5K was held virtually this year. With this year's theme being superhero's, the JAD team participated under the name, " The Justice Crusaders"! Everyone had a great and healthy time!
Congratulations to all the employees who participated this year and went the distance!
|
|
TEXAS LEGISLATURE
An Update on the 87th Texas Legislative Session
|
|
Status on Justice Legislative Bills
By: Lindsey Linder
|
|
With Texas’ 87th Legislative Session well underway, hundreds of bills are currently navigating their way through the legislative process. May 31, the final day that the legislature will meet, is fast approaching, and below are progress updates on some criminal and youth justice bills that might be of interest to Harris County residents:
Proposed Changes to Bail
SB 21 (Huffman): Relating to rules for fixing the amount of bail, to the release of certain defendants on a bail bond or personal bond, to related duties of certain officers taking bail bonds and of a magistrate in a criminal case, to charitable bail organizations, and to the reporting of information pertaining to bail bonds. What it would do: Would expand the list of offenses for which a defendant cannot receive a personal bond and would make various other changes with regards to bail. UPDATE: Passed favorably out of the Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, received a favorable vote on the Senate floor, and has been received by the House and referred to the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.
HB 20 (Murr): Relating to the release of defendants on bail. What it would do: Would expand the list of offenses for which a defendant is ineligible for bail and would make various other changes with regards to bail. UPDATE: Passed favorably out of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and received a favorable vote on the House floor on 5/04/21 (with amendments). The bill is now in the process of being referred to the Senate.
Proposed Changes to Youth Justice
HB 1783 (White): Relating to the age of a child at which a juvenile court may exercise jurisdiction over the child and to the minimum age of criminal responsibility. What it would do: Would raise the lower age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 10-years-old to 13-years-old. UPDATE: Passed favorably out of the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues, received a nearly unanimous favorable vote on the House floor on 4/27/21 and has been received by the Senate.
HB 488 (Wu): Relating to requirements for a juvenile’s appearance in a judicial proceeding. What it would do: Would ban in-court youth shackling (with some exceptions for safety), and would allow minors to wear their own clothing, instead of having to wear a correctional facility uniform, for court appearances. UPDATE: Passed favorably out of the House Committee on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues and is being considered for placement on the house floor calendar by the Calendars Committee.
Proposed Changes to Victim Services
HB 302 (Collier): Relating to the prosecution of the offense of sexual assault. What it would do: This bill would add incapacitated sexual assault and instances where consent was withdrawn to the Penal Code. UPDATE: Passed favorably out of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and has been placed on the House calendar for a floor vote on 5/5/2021.
Proposed Changes to Jail Conditions
HB 1307 (Gonzalez): Relating to the care of pregnant women in county jail or in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. What it would do: Would require additional healthcare services be provided to women in custody who have had a miscarriage or suffered physical or sexual abuse in a local jail or state prison facility. UPDATE: Passed favorably out of the House Committee on Corrections, received a unanimous vote in favor on the House floor and is headed to the Senate.
|
|
CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL (CJCC)
|
|
CJCC SPECIAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
JAD Will Hold the Next CJCC Meeting on
Thursday, May 20th
12:30pm - 2:00pm
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council virtual meeting scheduled for June 24th has been canceled and rescheduled for Thursday, May 20th from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is the last meeting that Judge Hidalgo will preside over as Chair. She has laid the foundation to strengthen and encourage collaboration amongst the council members. We thank her for her dedication and leadership to guide the work of the council over the last couple of years.
At this meeting, the election will be held for the Chair and Vice-Chair and the Council will also welcome the newest member, Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police Department. The meeting agenda will be posted by Monday, May 17th, and here is the link to view the meeting. If you wish to sign up as a speaker, please use this link.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
