Patrick B. McGugian
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed into a brand new regulation to pilot a “victim-led restorative justice pilot program” for Oklahoma, in keeping with a press launch state Home legislative workers.
Home Majority Caucus Whip Tammy West, R-Oklahoma Metropolis crafted the measure, intending – within the phrases of the Home launch – “to divert non-violent offenders from conventional prosecution and incarcerations fashions. As an alternative, circumstances are referred to this system and educated citizen-led mediation panels assist decide punishment and restoration. The objective is rehabilitation of the offender by means of reconciliation with the victims and the group at massive.”
Rep. West defined, “I’ve checked out fashions from throughout the nation the place these applications have labored splendidly. Victims of crime really feel restored, members of the group really feel happy. Perpetrators of crimes know the burden of their actions and make restitution with out having to serve prolonged jail or jail sentences. That is true legal justice reform.”
Colleen McCarty, coverage counsel at Oklahomans for Felony Justice Reform, informed The Metropolis Sentinel, “We consider in alternate options to jail and diversion applications which are equitable to all Oklahomans. Diversion from jail is an important intervention the legal justice system can provide as a result of knowledge reveals as soon as folks go to jail, it’s extremely troublesome for them to ever get well personally, emotionally, and financially. It’s essential that these diversion alternatives are honest and equitable to all Oklahomans.”
Senator Darcy Jech superior the measure within the higher chamber.
In an announcement despatched to CapitolBeatOK.com, The Metropolis Sentinel, and different information organizations, the Kingfisher Republican stated, “Restorative justice applications are an awesome possibility for non-violent offenders to get the therapy and assist they want with out placing additional pressure on our legal justice system. I’m happy that each the Senate and Home offered overwhelming assist for this measure that authorizes district attorneys throughout the state to create these applications for certified offenders.”
The measure emerged kind an interim research Rep. West guided final yr. Within the workers launch description of the research, “She introduced in a number of specialists from throughout the nation the place such applications have seen vast success. She stated she preferred the mannequin as a result of it was sufferer pushed but additionally helped offenders be restored to their communities. Below this system, an offender’s plan may vary from an apology, to compensation or substitute of a stolen merchandise, or different suggestions aimed toward repairing hurt to the sufferer and giving the offender an opportunity to make issues proper.”
The District Attorneys Council (DAC) – accredited below the brand new invoice, “to develop and administer the five-year pilot program — has agreed to search for grant funding.
The Division of Psychological Well being and Substance Abuse Providers and the Administrative Workplace of the Courts Different Dispute Decision Program even have agreed to offer assist.”
Perry, of Oklahomans for Felony Justice Reform informed The Metropolis Sentinel, “We consider in alternate options to jail and diversion applications which are equitable to all Oklahomans. Diversion from jail is an important intervention the legal justice system can provide as a result of knowledge reveals as soon as folks go to jail, it’s extremely troublesome for them to ever get well personally, emotionally, and financially. It’s essential that these diversion alternatives are honest and equitable to all Oklahomans.”
Within the phrases of the workers press launch, the DAC, below Home Invoice 1880, is directed to “use a deferred-prosecution settlement technique, using evidence-based practices and strategies to create the community-based restorative justice program.”
The ultimate model of West’s regulation handed the Home 89-1 (with 11 members not voting) on March 1; within the Senate the laws sailed by means of 44-0 (4 members absent) on April 14. Gov. Nonetheless affixed his signature, enacting the measure, on April 21.
The brand new restorative justice laws will take impact on November 1.
State Senator Darcy Jeh, R-Kingfisher. Official Legislative photographs
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