Oklahoma House Bill HB3017

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Elections; requiring certain agencies to determine when persons convicted of felony have regained eligibility to vote; effective date.

Impact

By requiring certain state agencies—such as the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Public Safety—to coordinate and determine when individuals regain their eligibility to vote, HB3017 aims to streamline the voter registration process for those affected by felony convictions. By facilitating better communication between these entities, the bill's supporters argue that it enhances civic engagement and supports reintegration into the community for previously incarcerated individuals.

Summary

House Bill 3017 seeks to amend Section 4-101 of Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes by clarifying the eligibility of individuals convicted of a felony to register to vote. Specifically, the bill stipulates that such individuals may register once they have completed their court-mandated sentence, including all terms of incarceration, parole, or supervision. Additionally, the bill addresses the registration of incapacitated individuals by ensuring those previously deemed incapacitated can register once they are adjudged as no longer incapacitated.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may view it as insufficiently robust or too lenient in addressing the complexities of voter disenfranchisement. Critics might argue that simply notifying individuals of their eligibility and providing a registration application does not adequately support their reintegration process into society. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the logistics of such coordination and whether it fully respects the rights and privacy of those whose voting rights have been revoked due to felony convictions.