Senate Bill 287 would change the way Oklahoma judges will be able to sentence repeat non-violent offenders. Senator Bill Coleman’s proposal won the approval of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.
Cole’s measure limits enhancements for convicted offenders of non-violent, non-sexual felonies with a limited criminal history to a period equal to the maximum for the first offense plus an additional quarter of the maximum.
Coleman says his proposal is meant to reduce the prison population by reducing the length of time offenders spend behind bars.
“To decrease our prison population, reduce recidivism and help incarcerated individuals become productive citizens, we must reform our sentencing process. These long sentences for non-violent crimes do nothing to help address the causes of offenders’ criminal behavior or help rehabilitate them. They only continue to increase our prison population costing the state millions of dollars,” Coleman said. “It’s estimated, that by modifying second felony offenses, Oklahoma can reduce its projected prison population by as much as 17 percent within a decade.”
After winning unanimous approval from the committee, SB 287 is headed to the Senate floor.
