Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB123

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
2/9/23  
Engrossed
3/7/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Enrolled
4/20/23  

Caption

Parole; clarifying parole guidelines. Effective date.

Impact

SB123 seeks to impact state law by providing clearer criteria for parole eligibility and enhancing the potential for administrative parole for nonviolent offenders. By simplifying these guidelines, the bill aims to facilitate a more efficient parole process while ensuring that inmates who demonstrate good behavior and compliance can be released more readily. This change comes in response to a growing acknowledgment of the need for more rehabilitative approaches within the criminal justice system, particularly for nonviolent offenders. However, it maintains strict regulations against those convicted of serious violent crimes or serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Summary

SB123 is a legislative measure aimed at clarifying and updating the parole guidelines under Oklahoma law. The bill amends Section 332.7 of Title 57, which covers the eligibility criteria for parole for individuals in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Key changes include provisions for administrative parole, a simplified process allowing certain inmates to be considered for parole without the need for a full hearing, provided they meet specific requirements regarding compliance with case plans and victim objections. This reform is intended to streamline the parole process and reduce the administrative burden on the Pardon and Parole Board.

Sentiment

The reception of SB123 has been predominantly positive among advocates for criminal justice reform, who argue that it represents a necessary step towards a more rehabilitative and less punitive system. Supporters believe that the provisions for administrative parole will lead to better reintegration opportunities for inmates, ultimately benefiting society. Conversely, there are concerns from some quarters, especially victim advocacy groups, about potential risks tied to releasing individuals who may pose a danger if released too soon. This tension highlights the ongoing debate between rehabilitation and public safety that characterizes discussions on criminal justice reform.

Contention

The most notable points of contention surrounding SB123 include concerns about the adequacy of safeguards to ensure that victims and the community's safety are prioritized. Critics argue that while the bill may improve efficiency in the parole process, it could inadvertently lead to early releases of individuals who might not yet be ready for reintegration. Balancing the need for administrative efficiency and protecting the interests of victims remains a significant challenge. Additionally, discussions have arisen about the implications of making parole decisions more streamlined, emphasizing the necessity for careful consideration of each inmate's conduct while incarcerated.

Companion Bills

OK SB123

Carry Over Parole; clarifying parole guidelines. Effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK SB123

Parole; clarifying parole guidelines. Effective date.

OK HB2477

Prisons and reformatories; Department of Corrections; Pardon and Parole Board; termination dates; effective date.

OK HB1540

Crimes and punishments; clarifying scope of certain definitions; effective date.

OK SB856

Child sexual exploitation; modifying certain life without parole sentencing; requiring certain punishments; requiring certain advisement; defining term; modifying certain confinement criteria. Effective date.

OK SB660

Driving under the influence of marijuana; clarifying inclusions; modifying felony offenses. Effective date.

OK HB2386

Prisons and reformatories; clarifying eligibility requirements for commutations; emergency.

OK HB2829

Parole supervision; creating the Oklahoma Parole Supervision Act of 2023; effective date.

OK HB2475

Children and juvenile code; clarifying scope of certain defined term; effective date.

OK SB153

Sentencing of juveniles; prohibiting imposition of certain terms of imprisonment for juveniles. Effective date.

OK HB2469

Prisons and reformatories; creating the Oklahoma Prisons and Reformatories Act of 2023; effective date.

Similar Bills

CA SB398

Election crimes: payment based on voting or voter registration.

CA SB500

Extortion.

LA HB45

Provides relative to sentencing and parole of certain juvenile offenders sentenced to life imprisonment and terms of imprisonment of more than thirty years (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

CA AB2935

Crimes against public decency.

LA HB319

Provides relative to the sentencing and parole eligibility of juvenile offenders convicted of first or second degree murder (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB490

Provides relative to parole eligibility for certain persons (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)

OK SB123

Parole; clarifying parole guidelines. Effective date.

LA HB730

Provides relative to parole eligibility for certain persons (OR -$978,000 SD EX See Note)