Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

died · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 19, 2025

SB 887: Inmates; creating the Secure Pre-Integration Pilot Program. Effective date.

SB 887 proposes a 5-year pilot program called the "Secure Pre-Integration Pilot Program" for non-violent offenders in Oklahoma prisons, aiming to reduce prison populations and state costs. The program would require the Department of Corrections to release eligible inmates to family members or community organizations (like churches or nonprofits), which would monitor them and report to the state. Inmates remain under state custody, and the program explicitly does not replace probation or parole. A dedicated revolving fund would cover program costs, including up to 5% for administrative expenses, but the bill failed committee review in February 2025 and has not become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReduces prison population via community-based monitoring for non-violent offenders, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of cost reduction and rehabilitation-focused alternatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 4, 2025

HB 1074: Commutations; allowing certain offenders to submit applications for commutation once every two years; effective date.

HB 1074 allows nonviolent offenders in Oklahoma to submit commutation applications (requests to reduce prison sentences) once every two years, instead of less frequently. It creates an accelerated process for inmates convicted of crimes reclassified from felony to misdemeanor under Oklahoma law. The bill also requires the Pardon and Parole Board to notify victims 20 days before hearings and provide detailed annual reports to the legislature on commutation and parole decisions. This affects nonviolent offenders seeking sentence reductions and ensures victims receive advance notice of review proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows nonviolent offenders more frequent commutation applications, accelerates process for reclassified crimes, and mandates victim notification/reporting - aligns with reform goals to reduce incarceration and improve transparency.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SB 144: Department of Corrections; creating the Reentry and Housing Pilot Program and Revolving Fund. Effective date.

SB 144 creates a five-year pilot program for Oklahoma's Department of Corrections to help formerly incarcerated people find stable housing and access reentry services. It requires the DOC to develop affordable housing in rural and urban areas, identify high-risk inmates for homelessness, and modify existing programs to provide parenting, job skills, and substance abuse treatment support. The program will be funded through a new revolving fund in the state treasury, using state appropriations, grants, and donations, with up to 5% of funds allowed for administrative costs. The DOC must contract an independent evaluator to assess the program's effectiveness in reducing recidivism and submit annual reports to lawmakers. This bill directly affects inmates released from Oklahoma prisons who face housing instability upon release.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a new revolving fund in state treasury using state appropriations to fund DOC reentry housing program, advancing public service funding through budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSB 144 creates a reentry program with housing, job skills, and treatment to reduce recidivism, directly advancing criminal justice reform through funding and service expansion.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill includes substance abuse treatment support as part of reentry services, aligning with healthcare access indicators for mental health/substance abuse care.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates affordable housing program for formerly incarcerated individuals via new revolving fund, directly advancing housing access for vulnerable population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Substance Abuse Affordable Housing Homelessness

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passed · Oklahoma · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 1990: Firearms; defining term; effective date.

HB 1990 amends Oklahoma's firearm law (21 O.S. 21, Section 1283) to clarify restrictions on firearm possession. It specifically allows individuals with a full pardon for nonviolent felonies to regain firearm rights, while maintaining prohibitions for: convicted felons (without pardon), people on felony probation, delinquent children/youthful offenders (for 10 years after adjudication), and illegal aliens. The bill also defines key terms like "altered toy pistol" and "sawed-off shotgun" to clarify enforcement. This amendment takes effect November 1, 2025, and directly affects restricted groups by defining their firearm access under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores firearm rights for pardoned nonviolent felons, reducing post-conviction barriers and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Probation & Parole

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passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 1, 2025

HB 1968: Pardon and Parole Board; authorizing the Pardon and Parole Board to employ alternate members; establishing compensation; effective date.

HB 1968 authorizes Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board to appoint five alternate members with specific qualifications, including former prosecutors, public defenders, judges, mental health professionals, and corrections officers. The bill requires all board members and alternates to complete annual training on topics like offender rehabilitation and effective intervention methods. It establishes salaries of $85,000 per year for regular members and $42,500 for alternates, with pay tied to meeting attendance requirements. Additionally, the bill prohibits board members from representing inmates in legal matters to prevent conflicts of interest and mandates disclosure of potential conflicts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates rehabilitation-focused training for parole board members, aligning with criminal justice reform goals through staff qualifications and intervention methods.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 10, 2025

HB 1860: Confidential records; requiring certain victim photographs submitted to the Pardon and Parole Board be kept confidential; clemency; Open Records Act; clemency hearing packets; effective date.

HB 1860 requires that crime scene and autopsy photographs of victims submitted to Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board for clemency hearings be kept confidential and not released to the public. It directly affects victims and their families whose images are used in such hearings, ensuring their privacy. The bill amends Oklahoma's Open Records Act to explicitly list these victim photographs as confidential records under Section 24A.5(p), preventing public disclosure. It also mandates that these photographs be included in a separate hearing packet for the Board, separate from other case materials.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects victim privacy in clemency hearings by mandating confidentiality of victim photos, aligning with civil rights protections in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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signed · Oklahoma · House May 12, 2025

HB 2364: Corrections; requiring inmates be assisted in receiving certain driver license before release; effective date.

HB 2364 requires Oklahoma's Department of Corrections to assist inmates without a current state-issued driver license or identification card in obtaining a REAL ID Noncompliant Driver License before release, or a REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Card if the license is unattainable. The department must begin this process at least nine months prior to release and provide employment-related documentation, including vocational records, birth certificates, and Social Security cards. Inmates over 65, those on medical parole, or in mental health units are exempt from preparing resumes or practicing job interviews. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFacilitates inmate reentry by requiring ID/license assistance and employment docs, reducing barriers to stability and lowering recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 690: Prisons and reformatories; authorizing certain attainment of earned credits. Effective date.

SB 690 amends Oklahoma's correctional system to clarify how inmates earn sentence-reduction credits. It establishes four class levels (1-4) based on participation in work, education, and rehabilitation programs, with higher credits for better performance (e.g., Class 4 inmates earn 60 credits/month if they have no prior felony convictions). The bill prohibits earning credits for inmates convicted of crimes resulting in death of law enforcement or DOC staff, or for those violating probation. It also updates language to be gender-neutral and specifies that credits equal one day of reduced incarceration per credit. This law directly affects all Oklahoma state inmates serving sentences with the possibility of sentence reduction through earned credits.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill incentivizes rehabilitation programs (work/education) for sentence reduction credits, promoting reform. Prohibitions for serious offenses are standard safeguards, not opposition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 13, 2025

HB 2067: Crimes and punishments; creating the Oklahoma Crimes and Punishments Act of 2025; effective date.

HB 2067 creates a process for people convicted of crimes in Oklahoma to seek relief based on new or undermining forensic scientific evidence. It allows convicted individuals (including those incarcerated, on parole, or who completed sentences) to file petitions if they now have evidence unavailable at trial or that contradicts evidence used at trial. Courts must determine if the evidence would likely change the trial outcome, and if so, may grant relief like a new trial, dismissal of charges, or release. The bill defines "forensic scientific evidence" broadly to include scientific methods, expert opinions, and reports, while protecting experts from liability for revised opinions based on new science.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables review of convictions with new forensic evidence, allowing relief for wrongful convictions - advances criminal justice reform by protecting defendants' rights and correcting errors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 1372: Probation; permitting certain offenders to receive completion and education credits under certain circumstances. Effective date.

SB 1372 allows eligible Oklahoma probationers to shorten their probation term by earning credits. Offenders who complete their first year of probation or earn a high school diploma, college degree, or vocational certificate can receive credits equal to 1/4 of their probation length. Supervising agencies must track these credits, notify offenders annually about their projected termination date, and inform courts when credits qualify for early termination. The bill excludes those convicted of certain serious offenses (like specific sex crimes or violent felonies) and allows offenders who complete education after probation ends to file a court motion for credit reduction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reduces probation terms via education credits, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - direct criminal justice reform aligns with support indicators.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill incentivizes probationers to earn education credits (diplomas, degrees, certificates) to shorten probation, promoting educational access and achievement for offenders.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Higher Education K-12 Education

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