Guest: Oklahoma shows a commitment to criminal justice reforms

While some states have been doubling down on outdated “lock-’em-up” policies, elected leaders in Oklahoma have looked toward evidence-based ideas to improve correctional outcomes, reduce recidivism and improve workforce opportunities for people who have earned a second chance. And if lawmakers are listening to voters, they’ll build on that track record with continued reforms this legislative session. Last November, Oklahomans were clear: They will see through false and politically motivated "tough-on-crime" narratives. In fact, they’ll reward candidates who champion smart reforms that create better outcomes for their neighbors and reduce recidivism. Gov. Kevin Stitt is an excellent example.

In his first year in office ― after calling for and signing legislation that aligned sentence reductions of low-level, nonviolent drug offenders with the successful resident-led reclassification petition ― the governor went even further by commuting the sentences of these 527 individuals, allowing them to return to their families by Christmas.

The political attacks for this did come ― Gov. Stitt’s Democratic opponent in the midterm election attacked his clemency record as “soft on crime.” Yet, Stitt’s support for smart reforms never wavered, and neither did his electoral record. And voters responded: Gov. Stitt handily won reelection, two-percentage points higher than he received during his first run.What’s more, Gov. Stitt’s executive actions represent a portion of the reforms Oklahoma has made since he took office.

Rep. Brian Hill (R-Mustang) and Rep. Marilyn Stark (R-Oklahoma City) sponsored the Sarah Stitt Act, which requires the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to administer state IDs, Social Security cards, certifications earned behind bars, and other documents crucial for obtaining a job upon release from prison.

Rep. Hill then launched his “Restorative Workforce Initiative,” which included legislation that creates incentives for people on supervised parole who maintain meaningful employment and stay crime-free.

Rep. Nicole Miller (R-Edmond) sent a “Clean Slate” expungement law to the governor’s desk, legislation that allows people to have their nonviolent criminal records wiped clean if they’ve remained crime free after a set number of years.

And bipartisan bills sponsored by former Republican Sen. Zack Taylor and current House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City) have made Oklahoma the gold standard when it comes to allowing qualified, skilled workers to earn a living by reducing barriers to occupational licenses that are unrelated to a criminal conviction in their past.

Together these bills represent a solid foundation for a state that has demonstrated its commitment to smart criminal justice policies. We look forward to seeing continued momentum as lawmakers come together to position Oklahoma as a definitive leader in justice reforms that simultaneously boost the economy and public safety.

In particular, we encourage lawmakers to support legislation that makes additional reforms to community supervision that align with Rep. Hill’s vision for the restorative workforce initiative.

We also hope they’ll support Rep. Hill’s efforts to fill the workforce gap by firming up protections for employers that hire dependable workers who happen to have an unrelated criminal record.

Oklahoma’s state government has accomplished a lot of commendable criminal justice reforms in the past few years. In 2023, elected officials have an opportunity to make Oklahomans proud and earn their reelection again by doing even more.

Lauren Krisai is deputy director of the Justice Action Network.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Opinion: Oklahoma shows a commitment to criminal justice reforms