Elections; creating the Oklahoma Restoration of Voting Rights Act; modifying voting rights of certain convicted felons; effective date.
Impact
If enacted, HB2706 will amend existing statutes governing voter registration and the voting rights of convicted felons. It requires the Secretary of the State Election Board to implement educational programs to inform judges, attorneys, and the public about these changes. Furthermore, the Department of Corrections is tasked with transmitting information regarding the eligibility status of individuals transitioning from incarceration to ensure that they can register to vote seamlessly once released. This change is significant in enhancing civic engagement among individuals who have previously faced disenfranchisement.
Summary
House Bill 2706, known as the Oklahoma Restoration of Voting Rights Act, modifies the voting rights of convicted felons by allowing them to regain their right to vote upon release from incarceration. The bill mandates that before accepting a guilty plea for a felony, courts are required to inform defendants that their voting rights will only be lost during their incarceration. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that voting rights are automatically restored following release, aiming to eliminate barriers that prevent formerly incarcerated individuals from registering to vote.
Contention
Notably, HB2706 is expected to face both support and opposition within the legislature and broader community. Supporters argue that the bill serves to rectify injustices faced by rehabilitated individuals and promotes inclusion in the democratic process. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the implications of re-enfranchising individuals with felony convictions, questioning whether this aligns with public safety considerations. The bill's success will likely depend on navigating these contentious discussions surrounding electoral integrity and the rights of rehabilitated citizens.
Elections; creating the Felony Voting Rights Notification Act; requiring notification of restoration of voting rights for individuals convicted of a felony; codification; effective date.
Restoring the right to vote to certain persons barred from voting as a result of a felony conviction, changing the information required on voter registration forms, and changing voting procedure for certain persons who are convicted of felonies. (FE)
Voting rights, restoration, application requirement and Certificate of Eligibility eliminated; Board of Pardons and Paroles to restore voting rights for individuals who meet criteria for restoration of voting rights
Statutes and reports; Administrative Procedures Act; requiring electronic publishing of the Oklahoma Administrative Code and the Oklahoma Register; effective date.
Administrative Procedures Act; modifying publication requirements; clarifying official version of certain publications from the Office of Administrative Rules. Effective date.