Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Marty Cassini
Department: Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution of the Broward County Excessive Force Policy for federal awards (CDBG, CDBG-DR, CDBG-MIT).
body
Why Action is Necessary
Board action is required to adopt and implement a new policy.
What Action Accomplishes
This action ensures compliance with the mandated conditions of the Florida Department of Commerce (FDOC) related to the Excessive Force Policy.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
State and local governments seeking funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program must comply with the Excessive Force certification requirements outlined in 24 CFR 91.325(b)(6). This regulation mandates that states require all units of general local government receiving CDBG, CDBG-MIT/DR, or any other U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) pass-through funds to certify the adoption and enforcement of a policy that:
1. Prohibits the use of excessive force by law enforcement against individuals engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations; and
2. Enforces applicable state and local laws against obstructing access to or from sites involved in such demonstrations.
This certification is rooted in Section 519 of Public Law 101-144 and Section 906 of Public Law 101-625, which were enacted to reinforce civil rights protections and ensure the responsible conduct of law enforcement during peaceful protest activities. Compliance affirms the County's commitment to upholding civil liberties and maintaining public trust while securing eligibility for federal housing and community development funding.
This action is necessary to remain in compliance with federal regulations, specifically 24 CFR § 91.325(b)(6), the County must adopt and enforce a formal policy addressing the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction. This requirement applies to any unit of local government receiving federal funds through HUD under the Consolidates Plan, including programs such as CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA.
Maintaining this measure enables the County to remain eligible to apply for federal funding through HUD.
The Resolution will be distributed as additional material.
Source of Additional Information
Marty Cassini, Director, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, mcassini@broward.org, 954-357-6440
Tameka Dorsett-Black, Grants Administrator, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, tdorsettblack@broward.org, 954-357-5829
Janice Fleuridor, Grants Coordinator, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, jfleuridor@broward.org, 954-357-9779
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.