A Local Law in relation to establishing a temporary task force on post-incarceration reentry for older adults

Int. No.

By Council Member Dromm

A Local Law in relation to establishing a temporary task force on post-incarceration reentry for older adults

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Temporary task force on post-incarceration reentry for elderly adults.

a. The mayor and council shall establish a temporary task force to address issues related to the post-incarceration reentry of elderly adults.

b. The task force shall consist of nine members as follows:

1. Three members shall be appointed by the mayor, provided that: (1) one member shall be an employee or of the department of correction or office of criminal justice with experience running discharge planning programs; and (2) one member shall be from the mayor’s office of management and budget with knowledge of financial issues regarding discharge planning programs;

2. Three members shall be appointed by the speaker of the council, provided that: (1) one member shall be an employee of a government agency or nonprofit organization with experience managing programs that address reentry for post-incarceration elderly adults; and (2) one member shall be an academic with expertise in post-incarceration reentry for older adults; and

3. Three members shall appointed jointly by the speaker of the council and the mayor, provided that one member shall be a formerly incarcerated individual.

c. Membership on the task force shall not constitute the holding of a public office, and members of the task force shall not be required to take and file oaths of office before serving on the task force. Members of the task force shall serve without compensation.

d. The task force shall meet at least four times per year. At its first meeting, the task force shall select a chairperson from among its members by majority vote of the task force.

e. The task force may establish its own rules and procedures with respect to the conduct of its meetings and other affairs not inconsistent with law.

f. Each member shall serve for a term of 24 months, to commence after the final member of the task force is appointed.  Any vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A person filling such vacancy shall serve for the unexpired portion of the term of the succeeded member.   

g. No member of the task force shall be removed except for cause and upon notice and hearing by the appropriate appointing official.

h. The task force may  request  and  shall receive all possible cooperation from any department, division, board,  bureau, commission, borough president, agency or public authority of the city of New York, for assistance, information, and data as will enable the task force to properly carry out its functions.

i. The task force shall issue a report to the mayor and council no later than twelve months after the final member of the task force is appointed. Such report shall include the following information regarding the reentry of elderly adults from both state prisons and local jails:

1. An analysis of the root causes of incarceration for elderly adults, and proposals to reduce the rates of incarceration for elderly adults.

2. An analysis of re-entry services for elderly adults, including but not limited to: (i) the unique health needs of elderly adults, (ii) the costs and benefits of re-entry services elderly adults, including benefits associated with reducing recidivism, (iii) how the city can work with the state department of corrections and community supervision to ensure the proper provision of reentry services, including the possibility of shared resources, and (iv) identifying gaps in current reentry services;

3. Proposals for reforms of state laws, rules, or policies; and 

4. Any other recommendations to assist the department in developing a compassionate post-incarceration elderly adult reentry policy. 

j. The task force shall terminate upon the publication of its report.   

§2.  This local law takes effect immediately.

LS 10494

BC

5/16/17