criminal justice reform

Oklahoma lawmakers on Monday were told resources for jail diversion programs are less available for rural counties in comparison to major cities in the state.

House Bill 3694, by Rep. John George, R-Newalla, reverses a portion of State Question 780, which voters approved in 2016 by 58.23%.

While the corrections department does not suspect the deaths are heat-related, prisoner advocates say the situation highlights a need for universal air conditioning in Oklahoma’s prison system

As criminal justice reform for criminalized survivors of domestic violence is gaining traction in Oklahoma, some advocates are working to make sure potential reforms are applied to those already incarcerated.

At least four inmates died and 46 others attempted suicide from July 2021 through June 2022, according to a new report. It is the most yearly deaths and attempted suicides recorded since 2016.

The spiritual advisor for several of Oklahoma’s death row inmates filed a lawsuit against the Department of Corrections last week.

Increased criminal jurisdiction in Oklahoma’s Indian Country is leading tribal nations to evaluate how they are responding to emergency calls and increased investment in mental health services.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics discusses Gov. Kevin Stitt hiring outside counsel to fight a challenge to tribal gaming compacts and a State Superintendent debate between Ryan Walters and Jena Nelson.

Experts hailed the move as an important first step in righting the wrongs from decades of uneven drug enforcement policy.

The pardons will be done through an administration process to be developed by the Justice Department, administration officials told reporters; it will cover citizens and lawful permanent residents.