Second ODonnell Consent Decree Public Meeting - 4/28/21

ODonnell et al. v. Harris County et al. is a class action lawsuit that was filed in federal court in 2016 claiming that the bail practices for misdemeanor arrestees in Harris County were unconstitutional. The parties involved in this lawsuit reached a settlement agreement in November 2019. All parties recognize that the input and involvement of the residents of Harris County will be essential to meaningful and lasting reform and to effective and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the system.
On Wednesday October 28, 2020, the Justice Administration Department (JAD) hosted the first ODonnell Consent Decree Public Meeting virtually. The hour and half public conversation included a presentation of updates and goals regarding the ODonnell Consent Decree and bail reform in Harris County. The event also gave a platform for the virtual audience to interact through a Q&A with the Defendants, Plaintiffs Attorney and Monitor.
The Defendants and Monitor presented updates on:
Consent Decree milestones and operational changes completed to date. Partnerships with research and technical assistance organizations. Ongoing changes and some anticipated timelines for completion. Opportunities for community input and participation.