OKLAHOMA CITY – A key criminal justice reform initiated by voters is bringing unprecedented opportunity for hundreds of non-violent Oklahoma inmates to become productive citizens.
OKLAHOMA CITY – A key criminal justice reform initiated by voters is bringing unprecedented opportunity for hundreds of non-violent Oklahoma inmates to become productive citizens.
In preparation for the release of more than 700 current inmates in November, the governor’s office and several state agencies, volunteer organizations, and community partners, are working together to provide essential resources to these inmates whose sentences will be commuted as provided for in House Bill 1269, which passed last session to bring these sentences in line with the will of the voters.
The law allows the Pardon and Parole Board to recommend to the governor commutations for non-violent felony sentences now considered misdemeanors after State Question 780 was approved by voters.
Starting Oct. 10 at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, a minimum-security female prison, and Jess Dunn Correctional Center, a minimum-security male prison, in Taft, inmates slated for potential commutation and those nearing release will attend “transition fairs.”
These events, to be held inside 28 facilities, will connect inmates with organizations that provide assistance with housing, transportation, employment, mentoring, health care, mental health care and other resources offenders need after release.
The goal of these fairs is to ease inmates’ transition to life on the outside by connecting them with the services they need in advance.