sq780 – OK Justice Reform

May 22, 2023

Striving for Change: The Complex Relationship between Police and Criminal Justice Reform

In recent years, discussions surrounding criminal justice reform have gained significant momentum, leading to a reevaluation of the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the pursuit of justice. While the police play a vital role in maintaining community safety, there is growing recognition that systemic issues within the criminal justice system must be addressed. One important area that the media […]

Ashley Bender Article 0 2 min read

October 19, 2022

It’s Time to Hold Legislators Accountable

Seven years ago Oklahoma voters demanded greater public investment in local mental health and addiction treatment instead of incarceration. All these years later – the legislature still has not appropriated the funds as required. Instead, Oklahoma’s 77 counties are drowning as they take on the impossible task of confronting the mental health and substance abuse crisis without adequate resources. It’s […]

Michael Olson Article 0 4 min read

August 12, 2022

Previewing the Legislative’s Upcoming Interim Studies

Interim studies begin this month at the Oklahoma Capitol. These studies serve as a deep dive into specific policy issues that are presented to lawmakers while the state legislature is not in session. Interim studies offer a chance for legislators to learn more deeply about an issue that may have slipped through the cracks for one reason or another. This […]

Michael Olson Article 0 7 min read

April 18, 2022

Fact Check: Oklahomans are safer due to SQ780

Author: Ashley Bender We have a fact check in response to one of the recent media reports that spread misrepresented claims that public safety is in question due to State Question Q780 reforms that recategorized low-level drug & property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Last week a news outlet published a misleading report on recidivism among people released from prisons […]

Ashley Bender Article 0 6 min read

April 1, 2021

SB334: Creating Felons and Punishing Taxpayers

The sponsor and supporters of SB 334 believe an Oklahoman committing misdemeanor theft at a rate of $5 a day … should be incarcerated for up to two years at a total potential cost of nearly $40,000. You foot the bill with your tax dollars and the cost represents 20X the value of stolen merchandise in these cases.

Colleen McCarty Article 1 3 min read

February 16, 2021

SQ781 Funding – Money for Addiction Treatment

It has been almost five years since the voters affirmatively said “yes!” to criminal justice reform that can save lives and taxpayer dollars. In those five years, the relevant stakeholders have not been able to settle upon a correct dollar amount that can be funneled into the SQ781 fund.

Colleen McCarty Legislation 0 2 min read