Current Social Issues on Agendas at Cook County Board Committee Meetings

Cook County Board of Commissioners - Committee Meetings - June 26, 2019

Human Relations Committee:  
Human Rights Ordinance amendment - Amendment Passed. 
(Agenda Item 19-3462 - sponsor K. Morrison)

• The amendment changes the word meaning of “sex” to include gender and also gender identity in public accommodations.  No one would need to show proof of gender in public areas with certain exceptions such as single sex schools, sleeping areas, etc. 

Criminal Justice Committee:
Charitable Bond Fund Ordinance substitute.  Substitute passed and final approval deferred to next Criminal Justice Committee meeting
(Agenda Item 19-0768 - sponsor Suffredin) 

• The substitute to the ordinance would include family members bailing out defendants—, but the ordinance still is awaiting input from fiscal impact note and other details. 
• The Ordinance as a whole would enable charities, groups and individuals to donate money for a Bond Fund to bail out defendants who are awaiting trial and can’t afford their bail. There are currently about 400 individuals who are being held in jail with bond amounts of $5,000.00 or less.
• This charitable fund would be replenished by the refunds defendants would get for showing up to trial.
• Definite criteria of who would qualify for these funds needs to be fully developed and presented to the Board.
• Excluded from these funds would be defendants in de-tox programs and mental health treatment because they would benefit from the programs in the jail.
• No court fees or fines could be taken from these funds, including the $100.00 processing fee.
• The entire ordinance is deferred and will stay in committee until home-rule restrictions and other issues can be worked out.  The fiscal impact to the courts of not charging fees will also be determined.

Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee:

• Resolution supporting equality and equal rights act for LGBTQ individuals throughout the United States - Resolution passed.  (Agenda Item 19-3961  - sponsors L. Suffredin, K. Morrison) 
• The committee passed a resolution supporting the US House bill proposing Medicare for All throughout the United States. (Agenda Item 19-3838 Medicare for All Act)
• Several Board members and other individuals were appointed to the Complete Count Census Commission.

Observed online by:  Karin Hribar