SUMMARY: Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced several significant criminal justice bills ahead of the 2025 legislative session starting February 3. Key proposals include a death penalty moratorium and transforming the Pardon and Parole Board to full-time positions with higher salaries to enhance case review efficiency. Other bills aim to add crimes to the state’s 85% mandatory sentence list for parole eligibility and revive the prison rodeo, which was halted in 2009. Additionally, legislation is proposed to limit the practices of for-profit sites that exploit mugshots. These developments reflect ongoing efforts to reform the state’s criminal justice landscape amid a stable prison population.

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The post Criminal Justice Bills to Watch in This Year’s Legislature appeared first on oklahomawatch.org

Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma prepares for annual fashion show fundraiser

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SUMMARY: Angela Moore, 65, hopes to move into The Harmony Marcus Garvin Apartments in northeast Oklahoma City, an affordable senior housing complex. With 900,000 Oklahomans aged 60 and older, the need for such apartments is growing, driven by rising rents and limited options. Nearly 40% of seniors rely solely on Social Security, which has failed to keep pace with rent increases. Many seniors, like Shanon Van Gordon, have faced eviction and were forced to relocate, while others, such as Janet Anders, have become homeless. Advocates stress the urgent need for more affordable housing solutions for Oklahoma’s aging population.

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The post Housing Insecurity Forcing Oklahoma Seniors To Move appeared first on oklahomawatch.org