DISCUSSION ITEM REGARDING UNITED STATES SENATE BILL 2856 AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RESOLUTION 5987 TITLED THE LIBERTY CITY RISING ACT
Indexes:
NONE
Sponsors:
Esteban L. Bovo, Jr., Prime Sponsor
Sunset Provision:
No
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Registered Lobbyist:
None Listed
Legislative History
Acting Body
Date
Agenda Item
Action
Sent To
Due Date
Returned
Pass/Fail
Chairmans Policy Council
6/7/2018
1F1
Presented
REPORT:
Assistant County Attorney Bruce Libhaber read the foregoing item into the record.
Chairman Bovo mentioned the unfortunate incident that recently happened in the Liberty Square housing development, which claimed the lives of four individuals and prompted a reaction from local and state leaders. He noted, as a result, legislation was filed and placed on the agenda for the Council’s review.
Commissioner Edmonson stated this legislation supported the Liberty Square Rising Act in asking public housing authorities to implement measures that reduced the violence and increased the safety and security for residents and their families. She noted the proposed legislation was introduced by Senator Marco Rubio and Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson and required public housing authorities, with property located in high crime areas, to have functioning security cameras, smoke detectors in designated areas, and deadbolt locks.
Commissioner Edmonson expressed concern with cameras not working when an incident occurred; stressed the importance of the monitoring agent being aware of malfunctions immediately; and urged that the issue be reviewed. She recommended this legislation be made a priority moving forward.
Chairman Bovo advised that Commissioner Edmonson should be the prime sponsor for this item and mentioned as a part of the resolution there was federal funding to support these efforts.
Commissioner Moss cautioned the Council to ensure federal funding was available to support this legislation and pointed out the need for federal support and additional resources to ensure those communities were safe and functioning properly.
Chairman Bovo agreed with the comments made by Commissioner Moss and noted the Board should insist the federal government provide extended support for the duration of the process.
Commissioner Sosa suggested the resolution include a request to the federal government to allocate funding for the implementation of the program and the follow-up maintenance.
Assistant County Attorney Suzanne Villano-Charif announced there was a funding provision within the bill and Commissioner Sosa’s federal funding request would be included in the item.
Commissioner Edmonson clarified for the County attorney this legislation would be automatically included as one of the items to go before the federal government and the lobbyist as a priority.
Mr. Michael Liu, Executive Director, Public Housing and Community Development advised there was insufficient funding available for any kind of security measures. He noted the source listed in the bill was a discretionary grant program which contained a maximum of $5 million made available for the whole country and any one grant award could not exceed $250,000. He affirmed the urging include the need for funding was absolutely necessary.
Responding to Chairman Bovo’s question, Assistant County Attorney Terrance Smith clarified the title “Liberty City Rising Act”, not only applied to public housing but also to privately owned buildings funded by the county through the federal government.
Assistant County Attorney Villano-Charif announced this item was scheduled to come before the Board at the next Commission meeting.
Office of the Chairperson
6/6/2018
Additions
Legislative Text
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