Justice Action Network Celebrates Oklahoma Governor’s Ceremonial Signing of Key Justice Reform Bills
Yesterday, Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma reaffirmed the state’s role as a national leader in modernizing its justice system with the ceremonial signing of House Bills 1460 and 1462. This marks the continuation of building a smarter justice system that prioritizes real accountability, smarter re-entry, and justice for everyone. It also steers Oklahoma away from old practices that keep those involved with the justice system in cycles of financial hardship and leave victims of crime waiting for restitution payments they are rightfully owed.
Under the leadership of sponsors Rep. Tammy West (R-District 84) and Senator Todd Gollihare (R-District 12), these newly passed bills restructure outdated frameworks that prevent Oklahomans who have made mistakes from having a real chance at long-term success and generational change, and delay victims of crime from receiving restitution payments they’re owed.
At Justice Action Network, we’ve devoted years to advocating for and supporting fines and fees reform in both Oklahoma and nationwide. This year, we were proud to work in a strong coalition of national and in-state advocates to lobby and advocate for these two pieces of legislation because we know they will have a tangible impact on the state of Oklahoma.
These are real-world solutions for real working Oklahomans, not abstract policy reforms. These bills will positively impact those involved with the justice system trying to rebuild their lives, crime survivors waiting for restitution, and families working to build a financially stable future.
There are over 100 fees imposed in Oklahoma’s criminal justice system that are unrelated to a person’s criminal sentence or restitution owed. These are extra surcharges and fees stacked on top of other fines that a person must pay. It often costs the state more money to collect these fees than what it brings in.
HB 1460 eliminates six of these burdensome justice system fees that have low collection rates and have long trapped people in debt as they try to re-enter society and turn their lives around. Returning to normal life after prison is already full of challenges as individuals navigate new living situations, employment, and reconnecting with their families. Imposing heavy fees simply distracts them from focusing on rehabilitation, steady employment, and planning for a sound financial future. By removing fees that are unrelated to a person’s sentence or victim restitution, HB 1460 frees them to focus on growing their life and career.
The six fees include:
$300/month fee for electronic monitoring ($3,600 per year)
$40 indigent representation assessment fee – yes, a fee to determine if you don’t have resources to afford a lawyer
$15 DUI Assessment fee
$100 Drug Abuse Education and Treatment Fund Assessment Fee
$5 Misdemeanor Marijuana/Paraphernalia Fee
Reimbursement for Illegal Drug Lab Cleanup
HB 1462 balances accountability and compassion by requiring courts to prioritize the collection of restitution to crime victims before collecting on other government fines and fees a defendant owes. This simple change prioritizes making victims whole instead of delaying the justice they’re owed.
Collectively, these two bills show the nation that Oklahoma continues to lead the way when it comes to making progress toward creating better outcomes from its justice system for both formerly incarcerated people and crime victims alike.
Governor Stitt boldly called on the legislature to reform the state’s fines and fees system and “get rid of what is essentially a debtor’s prison” in his State of the Address this year. HB 1460 is the first step toward more broadly realigning the fee structure in Oklahoma to ensure that a second chance equals a true opportunity.
As House sponsor of both bills, Rep. Tammy West stated, “We need to focus on making sure we’re setting people up for success and hope it brings generational change.” We couldn’t agree more, and yesterday, we were proud to stand beside her, Sen. Gollihare, other key legislative champions, system practitioners, and national and in-state advocates to celebrate the signing of these transformational bills.