Criminal justice reform won’t stop this legislative session. Governor Kevin Stitt used an executive order on Monday to establish the Criminal Justice Reentry, Supervision, Treatment and Opportunity Reform (RESTORE) Task Force.
Stitt has been the champion for a number of criminal justice reform measures passed by the Legislature, but he wants the momentum to continue.
“This task force will bring together all stakeholders to discuss the criminal code, diversion programs, victims’ rights, and our prison system. When Oklahoma comes together as one team, we can create bold change that will offer our fellow citizens a second chance while also keeping our communities and streets safe,” said Stitt. “We are making great progress this Legislative session on criminal justice reform, from investing in drug courts and diversion programs to stabilizing District Attorneys’ funding sources by ending their dependency on fines, fees and court costs. My administration remains committed to changing our state’s number one incarceration ranking, which is why I created the RESTORE Task Force to begin preparing reform recommendations for 2020.”
The RESTORE Task Force will look at how to reduce Oklahoma’s incarceration rate, reduce recidivism, and shore up diversion programs. A report of its findings will be submitted by December 6 for lawmakers to consider next session.
Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating will lead the 15-member panel which includes the Attorney General and designees from House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat.
