Labor and Civil Service Committee reports prison‑oversight bill after unanimous votes

The Committee on Labor and Civil Service on Jan. 12 advanced Bill 251099, an ordinance to establish an Office of Prison Oversight (OPO) and the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board, after approving an amendment and voting to report the measure out of committee.

Councilman Anthony Phillips moved approval of an amendment to Bill 251099; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Phillips then moved that the bill, as amended, be reported from the committee with a favorable recommendation and that council rules be suspended to permit first reading at the next council session. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Chair Paradis announced the bill will be reported from the committee.

The measure before the committee would amend Titles 20 and 21 of the Philadelphia Code to set out the powers and duties of an Office of Prison Oversight and the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and to provide compensation for the director of the Office and board members.

Supporters at the hearing — including city prison officials and outside advocates — described the board and office as tools to increase transparency and accountability. During the public‑meeting portion, Commissioner Michael Resnick of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons testified about recent operational changes, and advocates asked the committee to ensure the oversight body has authority to access records, review video, conduct unannounced visits and hold monthly public hearings.

The committee recorded no recorded no votes against either the amendment or the motion to report the bill; committee leaders said they expect the first reading to be scheduled at the next council meeting.

Next steps: the bill will be placed on the City Council agenda for first reading per the committee vote; further amendment, council debate and a final vote would follow the council’s rules and schedule.