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.