Four of the criminal justice reform measures Governor Fallin requested in her State of the State address were signed into law by her on Wednesday.
“These measures will preserve public safety while helping control prison costs and reduce incarceration rates,” said Fallin. “According to all measures, Oklahoma has some of the highest incarceration rates in the country.
The four pieces of legislation will give prosecutors more discretion between filing felonies and misdemeanors, reduces minimum punishment for possession of drugs, raises threshold for property crimes, and makes way for the broader use of drug courts and community sentencing.
“Many of our inmates are non-violent offenders with drug abuse and alcohol problems who need treatment. This will pave the way for a wider use of drug courts and community sentencing as well as give judges and district attorneys more discretion in sentencing.”
All for measures take effect on November 1, 2016.
