CAFA (Resolution 143)

• End Unnecessary Pretrial Detention

  • Grassroots Leadership advocates for pushing back against the practice of locking people up before their trial, ensuring that no one is jailed solely due to a lack of legal representation at their first court appearance. This is a crucial issue that deserves attention and action to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

• Guarantee Legal Representation from the Start

  • Asegúrese de que todas las personas arrestadas tengan un abogado en su primera comparecencia judicial para ayudarles a ser puestas en libertad más rápidamente y evitar los daños de estar encarceladas.

• Collaboration with Travis County

  • Require Austin judges to collaborate with Travis County officials to provide early legal support and guidance to individuals facing criminal charges or other legal issues. This proactive approach aims to ensure fair and equitable access to the justice system, addressing concerns before they escalate.

• Advance Community Safety Beyond Jails

  • Support the full implementation of programs that provide legal support instead of punishment, working toward a system that prioritizes people’s freedom and well-being over incarceration.

• Demand Accountability

  • Require ongoing updates and regular communication from city officials to ensure the program is fully in place and operating as intended. This will help hold the system accountable for meeting its promises to keep people out of jail and prevent unnecessary incarceration.

SB4 (Resolution 134)

• Condemn Anti-Immigrant Legislation

  • Officially reject SB 4 for criminalizing immigrants, straining local resources, and harming vulnerable communities through racial profiling and family separation.

• Protect Immigrant Rights in Austin

  • Direct police to deprioritize SB 4 enforcement, especially in schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, and other safe spaces, limiting harm to immigrant communities.

• Hold Police Accountable

  • Strengthen oversight of policing practices, require collaboration with community groups, and amend policies to prevent racial profiling and biased enforcement against marginalized communities.

• Empower Communities with Know Your Rights Training

  • Continue and expand community-led and City-supported Know Your Rights training, immigration legal services, and accessible multilingual resources to help protect immigrant communities.

• Ensure Transparency and Accountability

  • Mandate ongoing progress reports and require the City to respond swiftly if SB 4 becomes enforceable, maintaining a commitment to resist unjust policies.