Smith County Commissioner's Court voted to approve a $1,550,000 settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging extended jail stays and authorized the county judge to sign all related documents.

A public commenter, Delilah Reynoso of the Texas Jail Project, told the court that plaintiff Michael Hughes was detained 27 days past his release date and said she had advocated for his release. "Anyone spent even any time any person spends even 1 day in our jail than required by the law is unacceptable," Reynoso said, and she asked the court to explain what policies and which offices would ensure that packets are submitted to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in a timely manner and how much the county would pay in the lawsuit.

Staff member Wilson summarized the settlement, saying the case is a class action that also involves plaintiffs Angela Alonzo and DeMarcus Lively. "This is a settlement in the amount of $1,550,000 for this claim. This will be paid through the Texas Association of Counties," Wilson said. He told the court the county's deductible for the claim was $50,000 and that amount has already been paid; the remaining amount will be covered through the county's coverage with the Texas Association of Counties risk pool/insurance program.

Wilson also addressed the question about the packet-submission process. He said that beginning in 2022 or 2023 the district attorney's office began managing the process of preparing and submitting paperwork to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and that the district attorney's office is coordinating with the jail and the clerk's office to ensure packets are submitted timely and appropriately to TDCJ.

Commissioner Moore moved to approve the settlement; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Carraway. The court voted in favor with no recorded opposition and authorized the county judge to sign all related documentation.

The record does not specify the identity of the county judge beyond the reference to "Judge Franklin" in public comment, nor does it provide line-item allocations of the settlement beyond the deductible and the use of the Texas Association of Counties for the remainder of payment. The court announced a joint special meeting with the City of Tyler at 2 p.m. and adjourned.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve the settlement in Hughes, Edel v. Smith County (case no. 623-CV-0034) approved. Motion: approve settlement and authorize county judge to sign related documents. Mover: Commissioner Moore. Second: Commissioner Carraway. Vote: all in favor; no opposition recorded. Outcome: approved.