Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O’Rourke’s Prison Oversight Legislation Passes Out of City Council
The measure had the support of a supermajority of Council upon its introduction
PHILADELPHIA, PA– On Thursday, December 19, Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas and Minority Whip Nicolas O’Rourke’s legislation to create a truly independent Board and Office of Prison Oversight to address the city’s plagued justice system passed unanimously out of Council. Upon introduction, the proposal had the support of a veto-proof supermajority of City Council.
Now that the measure has been approved by the Council, it will soon be considered by the Philadelphia electorate on the May 2025 ballot. The ballot question will read:
Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for the creation of an independent Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and Office of Prison Oversight and to further authorize City Council to determine the composition, powers and duties of the Board and Office?
The measure’s passage comes after the bill was amended to reflect negotiations over the share of appointments to the board by the Mayor and Council President. The legislation was originally written with 4 board members serving at the Mayor’s recommendation and 5 from the Council President. As amended, the board would be comprised of:
- 4 members appointed by the President of City Council
- 4 members appointed by the Mayor
- 1 member appointed by the City Controller
The appointments would not have to be confirmed by Council. The Council’s advice and consent will be required for the confirmation of the Mayor’s appointee to be the Director of the Office of Prison Oversight.
The duties of the Office of Prison Oversight would include, among other responsibilities determined by Council, increasing transparency and accountability, accessing and monitoring PDP facilities, databases and documents, meeting with staff and incarcerated people, and developing community education programs. The Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board would be tasked with holding monthly public meetings and making further recommendations to the Office and Philadelphia Department of Prisons on matters of policy and best practice.
“I am proud of the collaborative work between the Council and Parker Administration to get this important legislation passed,” Councilmember Thomas said. “Soon, Philly voters will be able to share their voice on meanfingul prison oversight legislation that will return dignity to our city run facilities on State Road. I am grateful to the dozens of organizations providing guidance throughout this multi-year process, particularly the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the Defender Association of Philadelphia and the Abolitionist Law Center.”
PRESS RELEASE
December 19, 2024
Contact: Ben Wilcox
benjamin.wilcox@phila.gov
