OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, this week secured passage of House Bill 2530, which would reduce violations relating to cockfighting to misdemeanors.

The measure also would provide that 5% of the voters of a county may call an election on the issue by submitting a petition signed by such voters to the county election board. A majority of the county commissioners may also call the special election.

"This is about criminal justice reform and bringing fairness to sentencing," Humphrey said. "Drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl have killed hundreds of Oklahomans, but possession of these drugs results in only a misdemeanor. Meanwhile, fighting chickens continues to be a felony punishable by ten years of incarceration. To perhaps ask it better, How many people have died from chicken fighting?"

Humphrey said. he is very proud to carry House Bill 2530.

"I know that being just and fair is the right thing to do," he said.

The bill received a do-pass recommendation from the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee. It now is eligible to be considered on the House floor.