Friday, March 4, 2016
OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Mary Fallin’s criminal justice reform package was endorsed today by policy groups, business leaders and chambers of commerce from the state’s two largest cities.
“These policies are evidence based and driven by consensus among Oklahoma’s experts. The broad range of support further illustrates that these measures are the best options for criminal justice reform in Oklahoma and we urge their quick passage in the legislature,” they wrote in a letter that will be distributed to lawmakers.
Four bills proposed by the governor’s Oklahoma Justice Reform Committee are scheduled to be heard early next week by the state House of Representatives.
The letter supporting the bills was signed by:
“Governor Fallin’s criminal justice reform agenda represents the best steps forward for Oklahoma as we work to address the growing incarceration rates, overcrowded prisons, and overburdened county jails,” the letter said.
The bills are:
The bills also have garnered support from the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association.
The Oklahoma Justice Reform Committee includes the governor, House speaker, Senate president pro tempore and heads of corrections and mental health departments, with subcommittees made up of prosecutors, judges and law officers.
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