In 2020, the City Council told the court to return the money to defendants. State law says it must be used in “defraying the expenses of the criminal justice system.”
Reginald Reddick was convicted of murder by a non-unanimous jury. Though split juries were ruled unconstitutional, hundreds of old split-jury convictions are still considered valid.
Advocates for prisoners convicted by split juries worry that a bill moving through the legislature could provide an excuse for the court to dodge the issue.
Amendments adopted by the committee would require prison officials on the panel and remove its power to sign off on medical director hires.
Hutson, who ran on a reform platform, defeated longtime incumbent Marlin Gusman in last year’s election.
Committee members were split on the measure in spite of a compromise reached between advocates and DOC.
The meeting is being held as part of a FEMA review process, which the city says has caused delays in pre-construction work.
Group says the city should use federal funds for mental health treatment, violence intervention programming.
The judge said he will likely give the city until mid-May to complete a required FEMA report.
After DOC objections, New Orleans legislator says she will work out a compromise, which could result in reduced, rather than eliminated, medical fees for some.
