OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A bill that would allow Oklahoma judges to deviate from mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines in some cases is one of 17 bills signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin.
Fallin on Monday signed the Justice Safety Valve Act, which allows judges to impose shorter sentences for certain nonviolent crimes. The bill also gives judges the option of diverting offenders into programs that address drug or mental health issues. The measure takes effect Nov. 1.
Oklahoma has one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation, and Fallin has made addressing the state’s overcrowded prison system one of her top priorities this legislative session.
Other bills signed by Fallin on Monday deal with various state commissions, child support and the regulation of knives.
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