Evictions harm tenants, landlords, and the community as a whole. Harris County should be leading Texas to pilot eviction and homelessness diversion programs that create win-win scenarios for everyone. I will build upon existing programs and innovate to avoid unnecessary evictions and reduce the harm of evictions that do happen. I will take full advantage of all resources for tenants facing evictions during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, and work to bring in additional funding for rent relief. I will have an Eviction Diversion Clerk on my staff.

I will bring legal aid, wraparound services, social workers, and nonprofit programs into the court to provide support to people in difficult situations. I will provide space in the court for these groups to meet. I’ll clearly and transparently organize my docket so that aid groups know when they are needed at the court. By centralizing these resources, we can not only reduce the number of unnecessary evictions and fines in our community, but also help those who are struggling get back on their feet.

I will work to establish a county-level counterpart to Houston’s Homeless Court, which since 2008 has cleared tickets for thousands of people who might otherwise have gone to jail.

I will provide free computers and WiFi, supply translators and interpretation, and I will regularly offer alternative hours, such as Saturday and evening court. Where possible, I will offer virtual hearings and court services. I’ll work with the County to update the resources that are available online and offer a legal library in my court. Everyone who walks into my courtroom will be informed of their rights and obligations, and will know all of the options available to them.

A court should not feel like high school detention. I will listen to people, not scold them. I won’t use a gavel or wear a robe. I will not enforce dress codes or arbitrary codes of conduct, such as prohibitions on chewing gum or using cell phones while waiting for your case to be heard. Transgender and nonbinary people will be able to use their own name in all court proceedings. I, my staff, and everyone appearing in our court will respect pronouns and use gender-inclusive language wherever appropriate. Everyone will be able to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity.

Poor people and Black and brown communities are disproportionately targeted for low-level fines and fees and more likely to lack access to counsel, waivers, and adequate community service options. When families are unable to pay fines, interest, fees, and other charges, it can create permanent burdens that prevent them from renting or owning homes and applying for loans to start businesses. I will implement model sentencing practices that assess fines on an individual basis and use my discretion to waive fines, fees, and community service requirements when they create an undue burden on our community. I will not hire for-profit debt collectors. When appropriate, I will seal or expunge evictions and criminal records that create barriers to housing, employment, and resources.