Special Called Meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs August 10th, 2022 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sarah Williams, 512-972-5123, sarah.williams@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Sara Becker Karen Crawford Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Rennison Lalgee Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Merritt Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Discussion on enhanced library card budget amendment and suggestions on edits. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion on enhanced library card budget recommendation to Council and possible vote on the recommendation. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sarah Williams at the Austin Public Health Department, at 512-972-5123 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, please contact Sarah Williams at 512-972-5123.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION 20220810-2 Seconded By: Karen Crawford Date: 08/10/2022 Subject: Establish an Enhanced Library Card program Motioned By: Aditi Joshi Recommendation Establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that Austin City Council directs the City Manager to establish an Enhanced Library Card program to be administered by the City of Austin Library Department. When developing the Enhanced Library Card program, we further recommend consultation with the appropriate community stakeholders to: ● information theft; ● ● ● Allow a lengthy validity period for the Enhanced Library Card; Provide for training of library staff to administer the program; Identify a wide variety of documents that can be accepted when applying for an Enhanced Library Card to provide proof of identity and residence; Ensure the recognition of the Enhanced Library Card as a form of identification by all city officials and departments, especially Austin Police Department, Austin Energy and Austin Water; and Identify features to make the card attractive to all City of Austin residents, including discounts for entries to museums, and other city amenities. Protect the privacy of individuals who obtain an Enhanced Library Card, and prevent fraud and ● ● Rationale: Lack of government-issued identification can negatively impact the quality of life for Austin residents, and often disproportionately affects vulnerable populations within our city.1 People experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, and undocumented immigrants often do not have the paperwork required to obtain a state-issued photo ID. IDs are often required for housing, education, healthcare, banking, and may deter residents from reporting crimes. LGBTQ advocacy organizations have supported municipal-issued identification as a means of providing government-issued identification 1 of 3 without gender classifications, as transgender people may not go by the name, resemble the photo, or identify with the gender marker printed on their photo ID.2 Due to the sensitive nature of the personal information required to obtain an Enhanced Library Card, consideration should be taken to ensure that the privacy of our residents is paramount. This would require time for thorough validation and training, as well as safeguards to prevent the targeting of any communities who might benefit from this form of ID. Features to make this Enhanced Library Card attractive to all residents, such as discounts to museums or park passes, might encourage more widespread adoption of this card, and prevent stigmatization …
