OKLAHOMA CITY – HB 2235 by House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, was signed into law. The bill increases compensation for wrongfully convicted Oklahomans based on the number of years they were wrongfully incarcerated. 

“This is a big win and step in the right direction for reforming Oklahoma’s criminal justice system,” Leader Munson said. “While no amount of money can make up for someone's life lost to wrongful conviction, this increased compensation restores dignity to a person’s life. We are holding our criminal justice system to a higher standard, placing responsibility to carefully convict those who are proven guilty. Oklahomans who are proven innocent and exonerated should be able to access compensation that helps them get back on their feet, reunite with their families, and rejoin their communities to move on with their lives. I am grateful for the bipartisan support in the Legislature and for the advocacy of a wide range of criminal justice organizations who helped get this bill signed into law. I am also grateful to Governor Stitt for finding common ground to make Oklahoma a more fair and just place to live. 

“While I am disappointed the Governor line item vetoed the ability for a wrongfully convicted person to access health care and tuition benefits, I am still committed to working together to help Oklahomans access those benefits. They are both key to growing and sustaining our workforce, especially for those who were wrongfully incarcerated. I believe we can work together to get it done in the future.”

The law goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

-END-