Respect the Will of Oklahoma Voters:
Tell Senators to Vote NO on SB 1587 and SB 1674
Starting today, the Oklahoma Senate is scheduled to consider two bills — SB 1587 and SB 1674 — that would undermine the voter-approved reforms in SQ 780 and SQ 781.
We encourage you to contact your local Senators today and ask that they VOTE NO on SB 1587 and SB 1674, as they will repeal portions of SQ 780. Below are facts to support why SB 1587 and SB 1674 are not sound policy.
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SB 1587 Summary: This bill changes the time period for retail larcenies to be aggregated into felonies from ninety days to one-year. Crime is down in Oklahoma — and increasing the aggregation period will not drive it down any further.
Analysis:
- Research indicates increasing the severity of theft penalties does not affect crime rates.
- There have not been any significant increase in larceny offenses in the state since SQ 780 has passed.
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SB 1674 Summary: This bill increases simple drug possession punishments to up to five years in prison for anyone arrested within 1,000 feet of parks and schools, which is virtually all locations in cities and towns across the state.
Analysis:
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SB 1674 targets nonviolent people who are struggling with addiction. These are the same types of people Gov. Stitt commuted last year in the largest single day commutation in American history.
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SB 1674 is a direct attempt to undo the will of Oklahoma voters who have repeatedly voted for reducing investments in prisons and increasing investments in treatment for Oklahomans struggling with substance use disorders.
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The net impact from both bills:
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SB 1587 and SB 1674 will make Oklahoma’s larceny laws even more severe and further worsen the state’s incarceration crisis.
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SB 1587 and SB 1674 will overturn the will of Oklahoma voters who overwhelmingly voted in favor of SQ 780 to safely reduce the prison population and SQ 781 to increase investments in treatment for substance use disorders.
Oklahoma’s justice reform efforts have saved lives, created new opportunities for those who have struggled with substance abuse disorders, and saved Oklahoma taxpayers nearly $12 million in incarceration costs.
Please support the will of Oklahoma voters and do not allow the progress of SQ 780 to be undone by bad policy. Contact your State Senator today and urge them to vote NO on SB 1587 and SB 1674.
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