Meeting Summary
The Judiciary Committee meeting focused on the city's ongoing jail reform efforts, including the daily inmate rate, release times, and the impact of the Chief's Directive on field releases, which has resulted in significant savings for the city. The committee also received a presentation from Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma regarding their mission, budget, and the growing issue of evictions, discussing a proposed resolution for a 'right to counsel' in eviction cases.
Key Decisions & Votes
Approval of June 11, 2020 Judiciary Committee Meeting Minutes
01:00The minutes from the previous Judiciary Committee meeting held on June 11, 2020, were reviewed and approved by roll call vote.
Financial Matters
Jail reform savings
The city has saved approximately $2 million since implementing jail reform efforts, including the elimination of the 24-hour OR bond and the 10-hour OR bond for substance abuse charges.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma 2020 budget
Total revenues were $14,400,000+ and total expenses were $14,032,000+.
Oklahoma City contributions to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Oklahoma City provides approximately $544,625 annually through contracts (public defender), CDBG grants, social services grants, and emergency shelter grants.
CARES Act funds for eviction/foreclosure prevention
Discussion on the use of the latest round of rent assistance (Emergency Assistance Rental Program), with 90% earmarked for rent/utilities and 10% for legal services/case management.
CDBG grant for eviction/foreclosure prevention
A CDBG grant of $249,750 reimburses Legal Aid for closed eviction cases, covering costs for attorneys at the county courthouse.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Resolution regarding a 'right to counsel' for eviction cases (to allow for further data collection and committee review)
Watch For
- Data on detox center capacity and COVID-19 impact.
- Recidivism rates post-site-and-release program.
- Top 10 zip codes in Oklahoma City with high eviction rates.
- Information on the US bankruptcy court's small bankruptcy section.
- Auditor's name for Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.
Announcements
- Virtual meeting protocols: disconnection procedures, agenda and documents available on okc.gov.
- Michael Biggins, Executive Director of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, provided an overview of his background and the organization's work.
Agenda Summary
Approval of the minutes of the June 11th, 2020 Judiciary Committee meeting
Review and approval of previous meeting's minutes.
Discussion of daily inmate rate and release time (Roman numeral #5)
Review of average monthly inmate bookings, average jail release times, and the financial savings achieved through jail reform efforts, including the use of the public detox center.
Discussion of Chief's Directive on Field Release (Roman numeral #6)
Review of the Chief's Directive from October 26, 2018, and July 31, 2020, outlining eligible charges for field release to reduce jail detentions.
Presentation by Michael Biggins, Executive Director of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (Roman numeral #3 & #4)
Presentation on Legal Aid's organizational background, mission, priorities (domestic violence, housing, consumer issues, benefits), and budget proposal for 2021.
Discussion of a resolution regarding a 'right to counsel' for eviction cases
Discussion of a proposed resolution supporting the concept of a 'right to counsel' for tenants facing eviction, including current eviction statistics and potential funding mechanisms.