House Bill 1460 and House Bill 1462 have been signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt and will take effect on November 1, 2025. The measures either eliminate some of the fees that are charged through the criminal justice system and direct courts to prioritize payments for restitution to the victim when sentencing.
Representative Tammy West and Senator Todd Gollihare authored the bills.
West says that the fees disproportionately affect people with limited financial means. That pushes collection rates lower, costing the state more money to collect them than what is collected.
“When we refuse to remove these substantial barriers, we continue to punish people well after they’ve served their time,” West said. “These measures will change the lives of Oklahomans and give those who may be struggling a helping hand to break generational cycles. Without the burden of overwhelming fees, people will be better equipped to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.”
Gollihare agrees.
“Our justice system should never be a trapdoor that keeps people down.,” Gollihare said. “With these changes, we’re removing needless financial burdens and making it clear that the focus is on real accountability and giving folks the opportunity to get back on track. This is a win for victims, a win for families, and a win for Oklahoma.”
