Oklahoma has taken a significant stride towards reforming its fines and fees systems with the Governor's signing of two transformative measures. House Bill 1460 and House Bill 1462 were authored by Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, respectively. In an effort to understand the ramifications of fees on Oklahomans, an interim study conducted in October shed light on the far-reaching consequences within the criminal justice system.
Effective November 1, HB1460 seeks to altogether eliminate several court-imposed fees and to more robustly ensure the court fee waiver process for those who cannot pay. HB1462 aims to primarily direct court payments towards restitution for victims during sentencing. These changes come after revelations that the collected fees were disproportionately impacting people with limited financial means, where some collection rates were dismal, at a mere 25%, as reported by Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Representative West pointedly criticized the old system, saying, "When we refuse to remove these substantial barriers, we continue to punish people well after they've served their time," according to a statement from the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She believes these measures will notably change lives and aid in breaking cycles of hardship. Similarly, Senator Gollihare remarked on the importance of removing financial burdens that can otherwise prevent individuals from moving forward after their sentences are completed.
"Our justice system should never be a trapdoor that keeps people down.," Gollihare said. "With these changes, we’re removing needless financial burdens and making it clear that the focus is on real accountability and giving folks the opportunity to get back on track. This is a win for victims, a win for families, and a win for Oklahoma," in a statement reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
