The D.C. Department of Corrections would be required to set inmates free within hours of a court order under legislation being considered by the D.C. Council — a measure intended to eliminate overdetentions that have provoked two class-action lawsuits.

The bill, introduced at the request of Mayor Adrian Fenty, demands that the Corrections Department set inmates free “whenever so directed by a valid order of any court,” no matter the time of day or night. If public transportation from the D.C. Jail is not available, the bill requires the department to help the prisoners find a way home.