Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Criminal Justice Alternatives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts home-detention, electronic-monitoring rules; sponsor seeks fee relief for low-income participants
Summary
Supervisors adopted two resolutions authorizing rules for the city's home detention and electronic monitoring programs. Sponsor Supervisor Jane Kim said many participants have fees waived through income eligibility and pledged to keep working to reduce cost barriers.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on May 17 to adopt two resolutions that approve rules for the city’s home detention and electronic monitoring program.
What the rules cover
The two items (Items 6 and 7) formalize procedures for the home detention and electronic monitoring program overseen by the sheriff’s department and coordinated with adult probation. The rules describe program registration, monitoring fees, and eligibility provisions.
Sponsor and concerns
Supervisor Jane Kim, who led the discussion, said that her initial concern was the program’s fees — a $125 registration fee and up to $35 per day — for participants who are otherwise helping the city save jail costs by serving sentences in the community. She told the board she preferred the program to be free for eligible participants.
After conferring with the sheriff’s office and adult probation staff, Kim said she had learned that many participants are income-eligible and largely have their fees waived. She said the city does not use a collections agency for nonpayment and that her concerns were eased by the income-eligibility and waiver program. “If an individual is eligible and safe to be in a community with some monitoring, that we should make this program free,” Kim said during debate; she added that she would continue to work with the sheriff and probation to ensure affordability.
Vote and outcome
The resolutions were adopted unanimously (recorded as 11–0). Supporters framed the program as a cost-saving alternative to jail custody when appropriate and as a system that needs careful oversight to avoid imposing unaffordable fees on eligible participants.
What’s next
Sponsor Kim said she will continue working with the sheriff’s department and adult probation to explore ways to reduce cost barriers and ensure that eligible low-income participants are not excluded from the program by fees.
Ending
The board’s adoption moves the program–rules into effect and signals continued oversight by supervisors to protect access for low-income eligible participants.
