New analysis completed by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, a conservative think tank, suggests the changes in State Question 805 would save the state … Criminal justice reform activists believe a potential ballot question that calls for an end to rules that extend prison sentences for repeat offenders could reduce the state prison population by more than eight percent over time. Posted at 3:24 AM, Oct 28, 2020 State Question 805 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to end the use of sentence enhancements for people convicted of nonviolent crimes. Getting State Question 805 on the November 2020 ballot requires approximately 177,000 verified signatures from Oklahoma voters. Oklahomans understand that we build safe and thriving communities when we invest our resources into programs and policies that keep families safe, healthy and together. After failing to complete probation, … There was a problem saving your notification. She said advocates question why domestic abuse is considered a nonviolent crime to begin with, and perhaps lawmakers need to go back and take a closer look at that next year. We need your help to move America forward. Three observations on State Question #805: First, Oklahoma does need sentence reform, but it should be done by the state legislature, not by amending the state constitution. But Mackenzie Masilon, public policy and communications coordinator for the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said SQ 805 is going to significantly reduce options for survivors seeking resolution through the criminal justice system. Yes. The Yes on 805 campaign, launched in November of 2019, is fueled by the tireless efforts of a diverse coalition of actors across the state—including faith and business leaders, directly-impacted people, community advocates, and other Oklahomans who are fighting to transform the state’s criminal justice system. The measure was set to take effect on July 1, 2021. Right now, people who are sentenced to prison can have their sentences extended if they have prior felony convictions. Marsee said she prosecuted someone who sexually abused a vulnerable adult while working as a job coach. “So what does that do to victims?” Marsee asked. Offenders still face the maximum range of punishments set by the Legislature, but they won’t get any additional time because of their past, Steele said. He faced 30 to life because of his prior convictions. State Question 805 would lead to higher crime rates. All Rights Reserved. Partly cloudy. Pros, cons weighed for State Question 805 Oct 20, 2020 Oct 20, 2020 ... Pros, cons weighed for State Question 805. Prosecutors rely on enhanced sentences to ensure victims are safe and offenders are behind bars, Masilon said. And what institutions do we need to re-evaluate to serve us better? And the change would be retroactive, so those currently incarcerated with sentence enhancements could request modifications. It is a common-sense reform that will limit disproportionate sentences for nonviolent crimes, protect all Oklahomans from overzealous prosecutors, save taxpayer dollars, and help Oklahoma become a top ten state. Still, she knows hundreds of people are serving 30 years in prison for nonviolent drug crimes because of their prior criminal histories. Reach her at jstecklein@cnhi.com. Opponents, though, argue that the Oklahoma’s law classifies violent crimes as nonviolent. Please plan to attend the State Questions Summit for State Questions 805 and 814. The proposed constitutional amendment also is retroactive, meaning inmates could have their sentences modified by the court. You have permission to edit this article. “Our biggest concern when you’re removing the ability for sentence enhancements to be used, you’re saying no matter how many times an offender has committed the crime, they’re going to be treated like it’s the first time,” Masilon said. SQ 805 takes a step forward to bring some standard or sense to the state’s sentencing guidelines for nonviolent offenders, Steele said recently during a presentation to Enid’s Rotary Club. The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs projects State Question 805 would gradually reduce the state’s prison population by 8.5%, a figure disputed by the Department of Corrections. We’re encouraged and hopeful that State Question 805 will qualify for the November ballot so voters can do their part to build a freer and safer Oklahoma. Could State Question 805 lead to shorter sentences for domestic abusers? STATE QUESTION 805 State Question 805 did not pass at the polls, but the fight for criminal justice reform continues in Oklahoma. “It’s dangerous to public safety and to crime victims because it prohibits judges, juries and prosecutors from being able to increase punishments for repeat offenders,” Marsee said. Proponents say the citizen-led ballot measure, which seeks to alter the state’s Constitution, will stop prosecutors’ use of sentence enhancements against offenders never convicted of a violent felony. A mix of clouds and sun. State Question 805 is a criminal justice reform measure that would prohibit enhanced sentences based on prior felony convictions for repeat nonviolent offenders. Kris Steele, executive director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, speaks to media after submitting language for State Question 805 to the Oklahoma Secretary of State … Pros, cons weighed for State Question 805 By Janelle Stecklein CNHI State Reporter; Oct 20, 2020 ... OKLAHOMA CITY — Sonya Pyles believes in redemption and second chances. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of incarceration of any state in the country, and the highest incarceration rate for Black people. The measure gives Oklahomans a second chance, Steele said. Ryan Haynie The 45-year-old Tulsa woman said prosecutors used her four or five arrests to enhance her criminal sentence. Millions of people across the U.S. are acting with renewed urgency to defend Black lives in the wake of the latest killings of Black men and women by police. But there are several groups fighting to keep the state question from happening. She said State Question 805 would make things worse for crime victims. Find out more ways to get involved and stay up to date with the latest on the campaign at YesOn805.org. The message from Oklahomans is clear: voters overwhelmingly support criminal justice reforms that will reduce the number of people in their state’s prisons and jails. How can we allocate resources differently? / “There are a lot of very serious, in reality, violent crimes that are not considered violent in this state. You’re only going to get worse. He said SQ 805 will save nearly $200 million, but it will take taxpayers six to eight years to see the full economic benefit. OKLAHOMA CITY - Sonya Pyles ... Pros, cons weighed for State Question 805 ... Pyles is hoping her story of redemption encourages Oklahomans to support State Question 805. The group Oklahomans United Against 805 is concerned that the state question … Angela Marsee is the head of the Oklahoma District Attorney's Association, and she's been a prosecutor for more than 20 years, serving five western Oklahoma counties. The 45-year-old Tulsa woman said prosecutors used her four or five arrests to enhance her criminal sentence. He said the state question seeks to limit the practice of adding additional years to someone’s prison sentence simply because they have a previous nonviolent conviction in their past. ByQuinton Chandler•Jun 18, 2020. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison 2017 and has already been released. Just last week, Yes on 805 reached a major milestone when it handed in more than 260,000 petition signatures from Oklahomans across the state to the Secretary of State’s Office. High 81F. State Question 805 potential impact on domestic violence in Oklahoma Knowing what's on your ballot is important as the election inches closer and closer. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Oklahoma State Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 27 on Friday, which will appear on the statewide ballot as State Question 814 on November 3. Steele said a person convicted of a nonviolent drug crime spends about 80% longer in Oklahoma prisons than they would anywhere else in the nation. Low 56F. Author email. Next up for the Yes on 805 campaign will include the Secretary of State’s certification and counting of the petition signatures that were collected. Oct 16, 2020. You’re not going to come out rehabilitated.”. Shanna Gong, Oklahoma State Director, Criminal Justice Reform, highest incarceration rate for Black people. There’s a long road ahead for the campaign, but we know that Oklahomans – like millions across the country – recognize the pressing need for changes to the systems that are hurting their families, friends, and neighbors, wasting their tax dollars, and making everyone less safe. Pros, cons weighed for State Question 805, By Janelle Stecklein/ CNHI State Reporter, New Castle News editorial: Come clean, Volant: Pint-sized Peyton Place is awash in small-town shenanigans, Wolf withdraws Cabinet nominees in spat with Senate Republicans, Wolf presses for more Pennsylvanians to get COVID vaccine, Unwatched: More than half of U.S. nursing homes overdue for certification inspections, Millions in paving funds awarded to Southern Indiana, The Queen speaks: Lori Arnold shares story of drug empire in Discovery docuseries, DA raids Volant borough building: Council members won't answer questions from merchants, Agile Frameworks Receives Majority Investment By Long Arc Capital, Lilly to Commit $5 Million to Direct Relief's Fund for Health Equity. Explanation: This law would change the Oklahoma State Constitution. Oklahoma State Question 805 creates controversy - News Individuals convicted of a non-violent felony who have no previous violent felony convictions would … By Getting State Question 805 on the November 2020 ballot requires approximately 177,000 verified signatures from Oklahoma voters. OKLAHOMA CITY — Sonya Pyles believes in redemption and second chances. If it passes tonight, SQ805 would reduce the … The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled nearly 250,000 of the campaign’s signatures were sufficient to place the state question on an upcoming ballot. Oklahoma State Question 805 is a criminal justice question, and no doubt, you've seen the many ads for and against the question. In June 2020, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 802 to expand Medicaid to an estimated 215,000 adults, and the expansion will take effect on July 1, 2021. After failing to complete probation, Pyles, who struggled with addiction and mental health issues, was sent away to prison for nearly three years for nonviolent offenses. The movement to defend Black lives demands an end to police violence, but also asks us to rethink fundamentally how we build safe and healthy communities. Domestic abuse, the abuse of vulnerable adults, animal cruelty and using a computer to solicit a minor are all crimes that would not be eligible for enhancements if SQ 805 passes — no matter how many times an offender commits them, said Angela Marsee, president of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council and a district attorney in western Oklahoma. State officials argue the pros and cons of a proposal that would limit sentences for non-violent crimes. Oklahoma: State Question 805: Criminal History in Sentencing and Sentence Modification Initiative: Failed Nov. 3, 2020: Rhode Island: Question 1: Rhode Island Name Change Amendment: Passed Criminal Justice. Pros, cons weighed for State Question 805. “I don’t think it’s fair to say that SQ 805 is the only thing that needs improved upon as far as policy is concerned, but it’s certainly not going to help anything,” Masilon said. State Question 805 is a constitutional amendment, meaning, if passed, any future changes would require another vote of the people. June 15th, 2020 Summary: In 1998, the major tobacco companies agreed to make yearly payments to 46 states, four territories, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia to settle lawsuits seeking to recover expenses from treating tobacco-related illnesses. “It’s not working. A group opposing State Question 805 officially launched a campaign Wednesday to discourage voters from supporting the measure in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 general election. The … State Question 805 would remove sentencing enhancements for nonviolent offenses, while still allowing courts and judges to impose sentences within … And the question’s 10-day challenge period ended with no activity, according to a press release. Pyles is hoping her story of redemption encourages Oklahomans to support State Question 805. And even if the current offense is nonviolent, SQ 805 won’t apply to someone with a previous violent conviction. Pyles said she didn’t receive any rehabilitation, but upon release faced employment and housing challenges because of the felony conviction on her background. “At the end of the day, I just want to emphasize that it’s not a free pass,” he said. Janelle Stecklein. “It promises that there is no certainty in sentencing for victims.”. “I believe in justice, but I do not believe in serving years and years, decades on top of decades for nonviolent crimes,” she said. "State question 777 was designed to establish a constitutional guarantee for farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices." By Janelle Stecklein/ CNHI State Reporter. Our prisons are overcrowded. And that’s why it’s so dangerous.”. “Oklahoma has an incarceration crisis. Learn what you can do. Oklahoma State Question 814: Decrease Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund Deposits and Fund Medicaid Program Amendment. “This just gives us a chance to bring our sentencing guidelines in line with the national average.”. Pros, cons weighed for State Question 805 OKLAHOMA CITY — Sonya Pyles believes in redemption and second chances. “There has to be accountability somewhere for victims who seek justice through the criminal justice system.”. These high rates are driven by long sentences for low-level crimes: Oklahomans are incarcerated roughly 70 percent longer for property crimes, and 79 percent longer for drug crimes, compared to the rest of the nation. Winds light and variable.. OKLAHOMA CITY — Sonya Pyles believes in redemption and second chances. Most domestic violence and sexual assault organizations are members of the umbrella group, which provides training for advocates, mental health professionals and law enforcement who deal with victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. “I believe in accountability,” she said. What kinds of services do communities really need to feel safe? Her father even served 15 years on a nonviolent charge. But Kris Steele, executive director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, said the reality is Oklahoma’s prisons are overcrowded and have been for some time. Kris Steele, the director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, claimed the state question addresses some of the problems in Oklahoma’s prisons. State Question 814 — which got final legislative approval near the end of the COVID-19 session — would reduce the portion of the tobacco settlement going to the Oklahoma Tobacco Shanna Gong, Oklahoma State Director, Criminal Justice Reform. The state has one of the highest incarceration rates per capita, spends over $500 million a year to incarcerate people and there’s no evidence that administering excessive sentences drives down crime or enhances public safety. The moderator of Tuesday night's forum explained. © 2013—2021 FWD.us. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. The legislature would not be able to modify the list of crimes State Question 805 considers violent, and prosecutors would be forced to treat repeat drunk drivers and domestic abusers as nonviolent criminals. Hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans from across the political spectrum cast their vote in support of State Question 805 and demanded our state leaders take bold action to end the incarceration crisis. With sentencing enhancements, he would face two years to life in prison. The constitutional amendment would decrease appropriations made to the state’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Fund from 75% to 25% of tobacco settlement revenue. A panel of experts including Senator Kim David and Former 16-year Attorney General Drew Edmondson will discuss the pros and cons of each state question that will appear on the November 3rd ballot. Stecklein covers the Oklahoma Statehouse for CNHI's newspapers and websites. Question 805 would change this rule to only apply to violent felons. OKLAHOMA CITY — Sonya Pyles believes in redemption and second chances. The 45-year-old Tulsa woman said prosecutors used her four or five arrests to enhance her criminal sentence. ShareTweetEmail. 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