The Circuit 13 Advisory Board voted to create a new Innovation Zone subcommittee to explore pilots aimed at improving juvenile justice outcomes.

Members described an innovation zone as a flexible concept—either a program, a problem-solving focus, or a geographic area—meant to test ideas such as expanding civil-citation issuance. Speaker 15 moved to create the subcommittee and Speaker 7 seconded; the board took a voice vote. The chair announced the motion carried and the record specifically notes Reverend Dr. Lehi Dames Jr. voted yes. No numeric vote tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Members asked that the subcommittee define criteria for innovation zones and report back—especially after attendees return from the Restoring Hope conference—so stakeholders can determine how pilots could be implemented and scaled. The new subcommittee will return recommendations to the full board for approval before any policy changes are adopted.