2/1/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Eggert supported a good, strong juvenile justice system but did not favor establishment of a whole new department. She was concerned that there would be duplication of effort and cost and preferred creation of a program within the Department of Corrections (DOC) or the Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS). Commissioner Macht noted that the Board favors about 95 percent of the points in the proposed legislation, and he believed that changes as to incarceration of juveniles between 14 and 1s years of age could be handled without creating a new department. Discussion ensued regarding the major points of the proposed legislation and Commissioner Eggert moved the item be tabled for two weeks. There was no second. County Attorney Charles Vitunac advised that there is a deadline to submit the resolution, but Chairman Tippin pointed out that the wheels in Tallahassee grind slowly and we should not worry about a deadline. Commissioner Bird pointed out that the Board denied the previous resolution for additional staff for the Florida Highway Patrol using the argument that it would be taxes which should be handled at the State level. This resolution calling for the creation of a Department of Youth Corrections is also a statewide program to be funded at the State level, and we do not know the price tag on it. He was concerned about the inconsistency. Commissioner Adams saw the resolution as reinforcing the ideas set out by the State Attorney, and did not want to debate whether it should be a program or department, nor get involved in the management of such a program. She saw this as a step forward to do what needs to be done. ON MOTION by Commissioner Bird, SECONDED by Commissioner Adams, the Board (by a vote of 4-1, Commissioner Eggert dissenting) adopted Resolution 94-31 to the Legislature of the State of Florida in support of the creation of Department of Youth Corrections. NE FEB - 1 1994 BOOK q