0:00:17 19 sec
Procedure
Council staff open the hearing and set room rules
Council staff greet attendees, ask that all phones be silenced, and instruct that no one approach the desk. The chair is then invited to begin the proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Criminal Justice
Returning funds remaining in commissary accounts when incarcerated individuals are released from custody
Sep 23, 2026 · 9:30 AM ET · 3 min 35 sec
Hearing Vote
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
0:00:36 19 sec
Remarks
Chair Brooks-Powers opens the Criminal Justice Committee hearing and names attending members
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers identifies herself as Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice and welcomes attendees. She notes she is joined by Council Members Morano, Narcisse, Brewer, and Cabán.
0:00:55 24 sec
Remarks
Chair Brooks-Powers describes the purpose of Proposed Int. 246-A on commissary fund returns
The chair announces the committee will vote on Proposed Introduction 246-A, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson. She explains the bill would require the Department of Correction to inform incarcerated individuals about institutional funds remaining in their accounts before release and establish procedures for returning that money.
0:01:19 23 sec
Remarks
Chair Brooks-Powers outlines cash, check, and debit card disbursement options in Int. 246-A
Brooks-Powers explains that under the legislation individuals could receive their institutional funds in cash, by check, or, after an implementation period, through a preloaded debit card. Those requesting cash or a debit card would receive funds immediately upon request.
0:01:42 11 sec
Remarks
Chair Brooks-Powers details check procedures and the ban on return fees
The chair describes the bill's procedures for receiving funds by check. She notes the legislation would prohibit the Department of Correction from charging any fees for returning these funds.
0:01:53 31 sec
Remarks
Chair Brooks-Powers explains fund transfers between correctional facilities under Int. 246-A
Brooks-Powers says the bill addresses transfers of institutional funds when an incarcerated individual moves to another facility that maintains such funds. Before transfer, the individual would receive written information on how their funds can be moved to the receiving facility.
0:02:24 11 sec
Remarks
Chair Brooks-Powers argues fund access is critical for reentry
The chair says the provisions create clearer, more accessible procedures for recovering money left in accounts after leaving DOC custody. She stresses that access to one's own funds on release matters for transitioning back into the community and covering immediate expenses.
0:02:35 7 sec
Procedure
Chair Brooks-Powers opens the roll call and asks the clerk to call the vote
Brooks-Powers opens the roll for a vote on Proposed Introduction 246-A. She asks the committee clerk to call the vote.
0:02:42 7 sec
ROLL CALL
Committee Clerk William Martin announces the roll call on Int. 246-A
Clerk William Martin identifies himself and announces a roll call vote of the Committee on Criminal Justice on Proposed Introduction 246-A. He begins calling members by name, starting with Chair Brooks-Powers.
0:02:50 8 sec
ROLL CALL
Chair Brooks-Powers votes aye as the clerk continues the roll
Chair Brooks-Powers votes aye on Int. 246-A. The clerk then calls Council Member Feliz, followed by Council Member Cabán.
0:02:57 10 sec
ROLL CALL
Council Members Cabán, Brewer, and Narcisse vote aye on Int. 246-A
Council Member Tiffany L. Cabán votes aye, followed by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, who votes yes. Council Member Mercedes Narcisse also votes in the affirmative.
0:03:08 7 sec
ROLL CALL
Council Members Salam and Morano complete the roll call with aye votes
The clerk calls Council Member Salam and then Council Member Morano. Council Member Frank Morano votes aye, completing the roll call.
0:03:14 9 sec
VOTE OUTCOME
Int. 246-A adopted 5-0 with no abstentions; chair held open
The clerk reports five votes in the affirmative, zero in the negative, and no abstentions, so the item is adopted by the committee. The chair is held open at the request of the chair.
0:03:24 11 sec
Procedure
Chair Brooks-Powers pauses the hearing to roll into the oversight hearing
Brooks-Powers thanks the members and announces the committee will pause the current hearing. She says the committee will roll directly into the oversight hearing.