Branstad encourages public engagement in reforming Iowa criminal justice practices
(Des Moines) - Public meeting dates for the Governor's Working Group on Justice Policy Reform today were announced after Gov. Terry Branstad announced the formation of the group at the Iowa Summit on Justice and Disparities on August 28, 2015. The summit was organized by the Iowa-Nebraska State Conference of Branches for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The purpose of the working group is to research and make policy recommendations related to reforms in Iowa criminal justice practices. The group will consist of a core group of experts on justice polices, and have the access to all state agencies and resources for information and assistance.
The public meeting dates are as follows:
Thursday, September 24, 2015
1:00
G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol
Topic: Mental health/drug courts and jury pool selection
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
1:00
G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol
Topic: Juvenile records and prison/jail phone rates
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
1:00
G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol
Topic: Subgroup updates and open discussion with public
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
1:00
G9, Robert Ray Conference Room at the Iowa Capitol
Topic: Review of subgroup proposals and final strategy recommendations
The members of the working group are as follows:
-Adam Gregg - State Public Defender
-Dr. Roxann Ryan - Commissioner of Public Safety
-Betty Andrews - NAACP's Representative
-David Boyd - State Court Administrator
-Alan Ostergren - County Attorney's Representative
-Kevin McCarthy - Attorney General's Representative
-Jerry Bartruff - Director of the Department of Corrections
-John Hodges - Chair, Iowa Board of Parole
The working group members will set aside three hours for each meeting. The meetings could end before the conclusion of the three hours allocated if there are not further comments from the public, stakeholders or working group members.
The Governor's Working Group on Justice Policy Reform will present a written report to the governor, stakeholders, and the public in November, so that the Iowa Legislature can consider these recommendations in the 2016 legislative session.
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