Oklahoma Senate Bill SB396

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Medical parole; modifying qualifying conditions. Effective date.

Impact

The implications of SB396 are significant, as it enhances the compassion in the system for inmates suffering from debilitating health issues. By allowing the Pardon and Parole Board to more rapidly consider these inmates, the bill aims to provide mercy to those who are no longer a danger to society and who may only have a short time left to live. However, the bill stipulates that the medical conditions must be documented and certified by the medical director, ensuring that the process maintains a level of rigor and oversight.

Summary

Senate Bill 396 proposes modifications to medical parole regulation in Oklahoma, specifically amending existing legislation related to the placement of inmates on the parole consideration docket for medical reasons. The bill allows for the Director of the Department of Corrections to request that an inmate be considered for medical parole when they are suffering from serious health conditions, including but not limited to terminal illness or medical frailty. This request can occur outside of the normal procedures, streamlining the process for inmates who are deemed to be at the end of life or those whose medical conditions significantly mitigate their threat to public safety.

Contention

While the bill presents a more humane approach for inmates facing terminal health conditions, there are potential points of contention surrounding the expanded criteria for medical parole. Critics may argue that this could pose risks if not carefully managed, as the groundwork for medical parole requires an assessment of public safety and the classification of inmates as medically frail or vulnerable. There is also the exclusion of those serving life sentences without parole, which may lead to debate on whether this is equitable compared to other inmates who may have similar health issues but are serving different sentences.