Oklahoma Senate Bill SB692

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Corrections; requiring annual review; disallowing credits for noncompliance. Effective date.

Impact

The proposed law significantly affects the operations within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections by instituting an annual review process for each inmate's rehabilitation case plan. The requirement for an annual review promotes ongoing oversight and accountability, theoretically enhancing the efficacy of rehabilitation efforts. Moreover, the bill stipulates that inmates must comply with their case plans to earn sentence reduction credits, potentially increasing compliance rates and encouraging inmates to engage meaningfully with their rehabilitation programs.

Summary

Senate Bill 692, introduced by Senator Pugh, seeks to amend existing laws regarding the rehabilitation of inmates in Oklahoma. The bill mandates that the Department of Corrections develop a personalized rehabilitation case plan for each inmate within 60 days of their admission. This plan aims to guide inmate rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of recidivism by outlining specific programming and treatment requirements tailored to individual needs and risk assessments.

Contention

While supporters of SB692 argue that the bill provides a structured approach to inmate rehabilitation and could effectively reduce recidivism rates, there are concerns regarding its implications for inmate rights and the feasibility of strict compliance requirements. Critics may argue that disallowing sentence reduction credits for inmates who do not comply with their case plans could disproportionately impact those facing systemic barriers, such as lack of access to resources or support during their rehabilitation process. The discussion surrounding the bill suggests a need to balance rehabilitation goals with fair treatment considerations for inmates.