By Randy Ellis Staff Writer rellis@oklahoman.comA bill designed to expand the use of drug courts for individuals convicted of misdemeanor drug crimes in rural areas was approved Tuesday by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Justin Humphrey, House author of Senate Bill 377, said changes are needed to make sure individuals likely to benefit from participation in drug courts will still have that sentencing option open to them following the passage of State Question 780. The state question, which voters approved in November, made simple drug possession and certain other low-level crimes misdemeanors rather than felonies. Unlike urban areas, rural counties don't have the money to support separate felony and misdemeanor drug courts, which the law currently requires, said Humphrey, R-Lane. Rural areas are at risk of losing about one-quarter of their drug court participants unless the law is changed so one drug court also can handle individuals with misdemeanor drug convictions, he said. The future of the bill depends on funding, with the state facing an $878 million budget deficit.Read more on NewsOK.com
Comment on Oklahoma House votes to expand use of drug courts
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Tue, 04/25/2017 - 6:25pm
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