REMARKS
Sandy Nurse introduces committee meeting on sexual assault bills
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Sandy Nurse, chair of the council's committee on criminal justice, opens the meeting to vote on two proposed introductions: 735-B and 792-A. She provides context for the bills, which address sexual assault and harassment in city jails, particularly on Rikers Island.
- Recognizes present council members
- Mentions a previous hearing on sexual assault and harassment in city jails
- Explains the purpose of the bills being voted on
Sandy Nurse
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Good morning, council member Sandy Nurse, chair of the council's committee on criminal justice.
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I'd like to welcome you to today's vote on proposed introduction number seven three five b and proposed introduction seven nine two a.
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I wanna recognize my colleagues who are here, council member Marte, Narcisse, Rivera, Stevens, Hanif, Caban online.
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I think that's everyone.
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Yeah.
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And Ayala.
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In October, this committee held a difficult but very important hearing on sexual assault and harassment in city jails.
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And at the hearing, we examined what appears to be a chasm between the Department of Corrections' written policies to prevent and address sexual abuse and the reality for both those in the department's custody and those who work on Rikers Island.
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Today, the bills we are voting on will move us forward to ensure that we have an accurate understanding of the scope of sexual assault and harassment within our city jails as well as how the department of correction is investigating allegations.
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I invite the lead sponsors to speak on their bills.
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I'm gonna start with council member Rivera.