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

By Council Members Dromm, Constantinides, Gentile, Crowley, Menchaca, Rodriguez, Barron, Lander, Johnson, Cornegy, Levine, Chin, Vallone, Rose, Williams, Koslowitz, Mendez, Torres, Kallos and the Public Advocate (Ms. James)

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

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

a. The coordinator of criminal justice as defined in section 13 of the charter or such other person as the mayor may designate shall establish and implement a temporary task force to address issues related to the post-incarceration reentry of older adults.

b. The task force shall consist of 12 members as follows:

1. Eight members shall be appointed by the mayor, chosen from individuals representing relevant city agencies, provider organizations and advocacy groups, and individuals representing impacted communities, provided that at least 3 members shall be formerly incarcerated individuals; and

2. Four members shall be appointed by the speaker of the council, chosen from individuals representing provider organizations and advocacy groups, individuals representing impacted communities, and academics with expertise in post-incarceration reentry for older adults.

3. In addition to these 12 members, the coordinator of criminal justice as defined in section 13 of the charter or such other person as may be designated by the mayor shall invite the state to designate a representative to be a member of the task force.

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 or file oaths of office before serving on the task force. All members of the task force shall serve without compensation.

d. The task force shall meet at least 4 times per year.

e. The task force shall issue recommendations to the coordinator of criminal justice as defined in section 13 of the charter or such other person as the mayor may designate and the coordinator or such other person shall issue an initial report to the mayor and council no later than 12 months after the final member of the task force is appointed. Such report shall, to the extent practicable, include but not be limited to the following information regarding the reentry of older adults from state prisons and local jails:

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

2. An analysis of re-entry services for older adults, including but not limited to: (i) the unique health needs of older adults, (ii) the costs and benefits of re-entry services for older adults, including benefits associated with reducing recidivism, (iii) how the city can work with the state department of corrections and community supervision to seek the proper provision of reentry services, (iv) the types of re-entry services available, including but not limited to affordable and/or supportive housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and employment assistance, and (v) the gaps in current reentry services.

3. Any other recommendations to assist in developing a compassionate post-incarceration older adult reentry policy, including but not limited to potential legislative reforms.

f. Following the publication of the initial report, the task force shall continue to meet at least 4 times a year and shall make supplemental recommendations, as needed, to the coordinator of criminal justice as defined in section 13 of the charter or such other person as the mayor may designate. Such coordinator or other person shall publish supplemental annual reports, as needed, updating the mayor and council on any progress in the implementation of the recommendations contained in the initial report.

g. The task force shall cease to exist 4 years after the publication of its initial report.

§2. This local law takes effect immediately.

BC/CCF

12/11/17 6:43 PM

LS 10494