OKLAHOMA CITY – The governor this week signed into law a bill that will allow for a victim-led restorative justice pilot program to be established in the state.

The purpose of House Bill 1880, by House Majority Caucus Whip Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, is to divert non-violent offenders from traditional prosecution and incarcerations models. Instead, cases are referred to the program and trained citizen-led mediation panels help determine punishment and restoration. The goal is rehabilitation of the offender through reconciliation with the victims and the community at large.

Last week, your Oklahoma Legislature heard 187 measures in the House, 185 Senate bills and 2 House bills. I wanted to highlight a few important pieces of legislation for this update.

Senate Bill 585 passed by a vote of 56-25 and is on its way to the Governor. This bill defines habitual or willful neglect of duty as it relates to causes for removal of an individual from office, to include knowingly giving false testimony to a committee of either house of the Legislature; knowingly engaging in operations beyond the authority delegated to the agency served by or employing the officer; or repeatedly refusing to provide information to a committee, either house, or a member of the Legislature in a timely manner.

Oklahoma City – In voice votes held last Tuesday (March 16), the Oklahoma House adopted resolutions focused on provisions in the U.S. Constitution. A majority of representatives supported the measures, believing fundamental constitutional values are under siege in contemporary America.

State Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, was sponsor for two such measures, with several colleagues as co-sponsors.

According to a press release from state House Communications staff, House Resolutions 1009 and 1010 “assert Oklahoma’s state sovereignty in the face of multiple attempts by the federal government to usurp states’ rights.”