BILL NUMBER: HR 13	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Williams

                        MARCH 14, 2013

   Relative to homeless court programs.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
             HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST



   WHEREAS, There are approximately 132,931 homeless people in
California; and
   WHEREAS, People experiencing homelessness often receive citations
for minor offenses such as traffic tickets, infractions, and various
minor misdemeanors, including jaywalking, riding public
transportation without a fare, sleeping in public places, illegal use
of shopping carts, possession of an open container of alcohol in
public, obstructing traffic on the sidewalk, and sleeping on a bus
bench, as well as any warrants that arise for failure to resolve
these minor offenses; and
   WHEREAS, Outstanding warrants limit the reintegration into society
of the homeless, deterring them from using social services and
impeding their access to employment. They are effectively blocked
from obtaining driver's licenses, job applications, and rental
agreements; and
   WHEREAS, Homeless courts are special court sessions held in local
shelters or community centers for homeless defendants to resolve
outstanding misdemeanor offenses and warrants. Several jurisdictions
in California have instituted Homeless court programs, including the
Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Humboldt, Kern, Santa
Clara, Sonoma, and Ventura, and the Cities of Los Angeles,
Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, and Santa Maria; and
   WHEREAS, Homeless court programs reduce court and jail costs,
build community collaboration, improve access to court, and assist
homeless people in accessing vital services and jobs; and
   WHEREAS, To counteract the effect of criminal cases pushing
homeless defendants further outside society, these programs combine a
progressive plea bargain system, alternative sentencing structure,
assurance of "no custody," and proof of program activities to address
a full range of misdemeanor offenses and bring homeless defendants
back into society; and
   WHEREAS, These courts are funded and operated by local
jurisdictions; and
   WHEREAS, The benefits to a county that has instituted a successful
homeless court program are extraordinary; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the
Assembly hereby encourages county governments to find ways to make
homeless courts more accessible, such as allowing people to bring
multiple cases to court per year instead of limiting them to one, and
allowing fines to be recalled from collection by the county or
collections agencies; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for the appropriate distribution.