OKLAHOMA CITY – Two historic measures reforming Oklahoma's fines and fees systems will take effect Nov. 1, offering more Oklahomans leaving incarceration a better chance to get on their feet. House Bill 1460 and House Bill 1462 , authored by Rep. Tammy West, eliminate several fines and fees while securing victim restitution payments. "For too long, court fines and fees have worked against rehabilitation," West said. "When someone leaves incarceration, they owe thousands of dollars of debt before they've even found a job or housing. That's not a fair second chance. These reforms are about giving people who’ve paid their debt to society a fair shot at rebuilding their lives. By eliminating unnecessary fees and ensuring victims are prioritized, the road to restitution and rehabilitation is smoother for everyone. This will make our justice system more efficient, more compassionate and more focused on true second chances." Tiffany Shaw, an employment navigator with JusticeLink LLC and who was formerly incarcerated, is one who will benefit from the new laws. “It took me over 15 years to pay off my court fines and fees, and because of House bill 1460 and House Bill1462 and other reforms like it, I can finally breathe again," Shaw said. "Each payment brought a little more freedom, and now, as I work to finish my restitution by the end of this year, I walk with my head held high. This bill gives people like me a real second chance to rebuild and move forward with dignity.” HB1460 eliminates six fees across Oklahoma’s justice system, as well as strengthens the court fee waiver process. HB1462 directs court clerks to certify restitution has been paid to victims before accepting payment toward other fines and fees. The bills were proposed following an interim study, held last fall, to learn more about the scope of fees that may be charged to Oklahomans throughout the criminal justice process. Many fees have collections rates as low as 25% and cost the state more to attempt collection than they bring in, often leaving departments with an unreliable revenue source. Offenders who can't keep pace with their fines and fees may face license suspension, re-arrest or even more jail time, adding further financial burdens. Gov. Kevin Stitt highlighted reduced fines and fees as one of his legislative priorities during his 2025 State of the State address. "We know that high fees keep people trapped in this cycle and contribute to higher recidivism," Stitt said during his Feb. 3 State of the State address . "That doesn’t make sense. I want to change that structure and make sure that a second chance is actually a second chance and get rid of fines, fees and court costs for good." After HB1460 takes effect on Nov. 1, there will still be around over 80 fees that may still be applied to criminal cases.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, conducted an interim study in front of the Civil Judiciary Committee on parole processes in Oklahoma and how to assist people and agencies involved to ensure the best opportunities for rehabilitation of inmates. “My hope is that through thoughtful, data-driven reforms, our state's pardon and parole system will operate as intended: to promote safety, uphold accountability, and create second chances where they have been earned, fairly and consistently,” said Stewart. The study explored ways to identify areas of improving the efficiency, efficacy, and fairness of the parole process. Speakers from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Pardon and Parole General Counsel, District Attorneys, and those with lived experiences all came together to examine ways to better fund and support the Pardon and Parole system to best reintegrate inmates into society while also improving communication with victims. Ways to do this are providing accessible mental health and substance abuse treatment for inmates and parolees, providing services that are not just limited to minimum security facilities, and better reentry programs that address an inmate's employment and reintegration. With the collaboration of experts and the Oklahoma legislature, it is possible to execute a fairer and safer pardon and parole system that best serves all Oklahomans. -END
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, conducted an Interim Study in front of the Common Education Committee on the causes of chronic absenteeism in schools and proven solutions to grow student attendance. Chronic absenteeism is defined by a student missing 10% or more of school days. “We know kids don’t learn if they don’t show up,” said Pogemiller. “I have also heard from school counselors that the biggest issues seen in schools are the ones that occur outside of the school. This means that schools cannot solve chronic absenteeism on their own. It is important to understand the root causes of chronic absenteeism and work to develop solutions that help improve the lives of students and make it easier for them to attend classes.” Over the past three years in Tulsa Public Schools, eviction records show that 2,121 students experienced at least one eviction filing, 467 students faced eviction twice, and 327 students were filed against three or more times, with some experiencing up to 11 eviction filings. Proportionately, Pre-K and Kindergarten students had the highest rates of eviction filings. Impact Tulsa is working to help TPS schools identify families that are being evicted and provide support to those families. They also highlighted the challenges around evictions including low filing fees and short windows on evictions (number of days). Moore Public Schools, Bridges of Moore and Moore Public School Foundation are partnering together to help address chronic absenteeism around homeless youth. Students experiencing homelessness are absent twice as often as the general population, not because they don’t care, but due to a lack of stability. Bridges of Moore supports students in developing stability and independence by requiring participants to maintain employment, pass all enrolled classes, attend Life Skills sessions, follow housing rules, and pay rent on time. These expectations help students build responsibility and prepare for life beyond the program. As a result, 100% of Bridges of Moore students leave the program with a plan for their next step—whether that’s entering the workforce, enrolling in college, pursuing a career, or joining the military. In addition, in Fall of 2026 they are set to open housing for up to 20 students experiencing homelessness. Presenters from Sand Springs Public Schools and Norman Public Schools talked about their work addressing suspensions using opioid abatement funding. Yukon Public School created an attendance officer that has partnered with city and county government to support the DHS School Based Specialists. “One thing I’ve learned working in a non-profit and then moving into education advocacy is that it is all connected,” Pogemiller said. “We cannot provide the best outcomes for students when we don’t address the root challenges they face.” -END-