Rules Committee sends Reentry Council sunset-extension ordinance to full Board with positive recommendation

The Rules Committee voted Dec. 11 to forward to the full Board an ordinance authored by Supervisor Catherine Stefani that would extend the San Francisco Reentry Council’s sunset date by five years to June 1, 2029, and revise the council’s reporting duties.

Dominique Donovan, chief of staff to Supervisor Catherine Stefani, said the ordinance would move the council’s sunset from June 1, 2024, to June 1, 2029, require the next annual report by Dec. 31, 2024, and set a process for departments to submit responses for inclusion as an addendum to the final report. She described the council as a 24-member body that coordinates across city departments and community partners to support people reentering society.

Victoria Westbrook, Reentry Division Director for Adult Probation, testified in support and said the council brings together "17 different city departments, an organization that provides pretrial services within the community, and 7 formerly incarcerated individuals" to meet reentry needs.

After public comment and brief discussion, Chair Dorsey moved to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation as a committee report. Vice Chair Shimon Walton and Supervisor Safaie both voted "Aye," and Chair Dorsey voted "Aye." The motion passed and the item will appear on the full Board agenda for consideration.

The committee recorded the motion as a positive committee recommendation to the Board; the full Board will determine final approval and any implementation timelines.