Referred to: The Laws Enforcement and Public Safety Committee (Chairwoman Walter and Legislators Fabiano, Haynes, Heppner and Parete)

Chairman David B. Donaldson and Legislator Eve Walter offer the following:

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 410, dated October 15, 2019, the Ulster County Legislature established the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force to evaluate county efforts and programs to assist those effected by recent changes to NYS Laws, including Raise the Age legislation and bail and discovery reforms, for efficacy, efficiency, and compliance with state requirements, to ensure the best and most cost-effective delivery of services, and to explore opportunities for program expansion to help the greatest number of county residents; and

WHEREAS, further pursuant to Resolution No. 410 of 2019, the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force was to provide a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Ulster County Legislature no later than six months after its first meeting; and

WHEREAS, the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force held its first meeting on February 19, 2020, and has met an additional four times since; and

WHEREAS, the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force has an active membership and buy in from numerous community stakeholders and individuals with experience and knowledge in the criminal justice field; and

WHEREAS, the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force has formed issue focused subcommittees who have conducted additional meetings; and

WHEREAS, extended time is necessary to solicit public input, consult with industry professionals, research and revaluate viable policy recommendations, and allow sufficient time to complete the Task Force’s report;now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Criminal Justice Reform Task Force is hereby authorized a one (1) year extension to August 1, 2021 to report its findings to the Ulster County Legislature,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                     NOES:      

Passed Committee: Law Enforcement and Public Safety on_____________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT: 

NONE