Council adopts ordinance to codify federal PREA protections for Allegheny County Jail, passes 15–0

Allegheny County Council voted unanimously on May 26 to adopt Ordinance 13810-26, amending county code to add a Jail Rape Elimination article that the sponsors say codifies provisions of federal PREA law at the county level.

Council Member Hallam, a prime sponsor, moved to approve the amended ordinance after the Committee on Public Safety recommended it for the floor. On a roll-call vote the ordinance passed with 15 ayes and zero nays; members applauded after the tally.

The ordinance, as described on the floor, would amend Division 2 of the Allegheny County Code, Chapter 205 (Allegheny County Jail) by creating a new article to align county policy with existing federal protections. Sponsors listed in the reading included Council Members Hallam, Rose, Madonna Emerling and Pat Catena.

Council Member Adams reported the Committee on Public Safety had amended the bill in committee and that it was being recommended as amended to the full council. Council Member Hallam then moved approval: "I would like to motion to approve this bill and ask for a second." The motion received a second and the roll-call vote followed.

The transcript does not include detailed text of the adopted ordinance beyond its description as codifying federal law; council documents or the county clerk's office will have the official ordinance language and any technical amendments.