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OKLAHOMA – Attorneys, business leaders, chambers of commerce and policy groups from across Oklahoma endorsed Gov. Mary Fallin’s criminal justice reform package in a statement.

“Governor Fallin’s criminal justice reform agenda represents the best steps forward for Oklahoma as we work to address the growing incarceration rates, overcrowded prisons and overburdened county jails,” the statement said.

The statement was endorsed Friday by Clay Bennett, Oklahoma City Thunder Chairman; Adam Luck, state director of ‘Right on Crime,’ a conservative criminal justice reform group; and David E. Rainbolt, chief executive officer of the BancFirst Corporation in Oklahoma City.

Organizations endorsing the statement include:

  • Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
  • OCPA Impact
  • Oklahoma District Attorneys Association
  • Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) President Jonathan Small
  • Oklahoma Policy Institute
  • Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce

The state House of Representatives is scheduled to hear the four proposed measures early next week.

The measures include:

  • House Bill 2472  granting district attorney’s discretion to file misdemeanor charges under certain circumstances.
  • House Bill 2479 modifying penalties for certain prohibited acts including controlled dangerous substances.
  • House Bill 2751 raises the threshold for property crimes to be charged as a felony to $1,000.
  • House Bill 2753 establishes means for broader use of drug courts.

The committee members include Fallin, House Speaker Jeff W. Hickman, R-Fairview; Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa; along with other officials from state law enforcement, judicial branches and mental health departments.