With nine weeks to go in the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers have advanced several bills that would increase sentencing ranges for certain offenders.

The post Lawmakers Seek Tougher Shoplifting, Domestic Abuse Penalties appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

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March 11, 2024 Democracy Watch Judge Revives Lawmakers' Open Records Lawsuit State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, presides over a meeting of the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee on Feb. 21, 2024. (Ted Streuli/Oklahoma Watch) By Keaton Ross | Democracy/Criminal Justice Reporter State Reps. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane and Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow do in fact [...]

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Two nearly identical bills are moving through the Oklahoma State Capitol 2024 Session that aim to keep people experiencing homelessness off state lands. Sen. Darrell Weaver said his goal in authoring SB 1854 is to keep homeless people from sleeping under highway overpasses. The bills could fine or imprison people who, during their darkest times, refuse. The bills may also be unconstitutional.

The post Breaking Camp: Lawmakers Take Aim at Homeless Encampments on State Land appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

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The bill has an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately should it be signed into law. The state’s next scheduled execution is on April 4 at 10 a.m.

The post House Committee Advances Death Penalty Moratorium Bill  appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

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Shannon Hanchett’s physical and mental health deteriorated rapidly after being booked into the jail, the lawsuit claims, noting that medical staff did not evaluate her for more than 72 hours after arriving at the jail.

The post Subpar Care Led to Cleveland County Detainee’s Death, Federal Lawsuit Claims appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

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