Sen. Jech attends ceremonial signing of state’s first restorative justice program

The governor ceremonially signed a measure this past week that creates the state’s first restorative justice program, with the goal of rehabilitating offenders and reducing the state’s prison population. The measure was authored by Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, and Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City.

House Bill 1880 was created in conjunction with the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Association. It seeks to divert non-violent offenders from the traditional prosecution model, allow the criminal to understand the harm they’ve committed, take responsibility for their actions, and make amends with the victim and community.

The measure is victim-centered, meaning the offender’s victim must consent before a case can be referred to the program.

“This is true criminal justice reform – we aren’t reclassifying crimes or letting criminals go after a crime has been committed,” Jech said. “Rather, we are implementing a program that will rehabilitate offenders, decrease recidivism and give these Oklahomans a chance to right their wrongs, learn from their mistakes and become more productive members of society.”

Jech said he worked with District Six District Attorney Jason Hicks, who serves Jefferson, Stephens, Caddo and Grady counties; and District Two District Attorney Angela Marsee, who serves Beckham, Custer, Ellis, Roger Mills and Washita counties, to finalize language for the measure.

“I’m excited about House Bill 1880,” Hicks said. “Restorative justice focuses on offender accountability rather than punishment, while still honoring the voices of victims. District attorney offices will now have the ability to involve the community in helping offenders take responsibility for their actions in a different way, by focusing on the harm the crime caused and its impact to the victim and the community.”

The five-year pilot program created by HB 1880 will be administered through the District Attorney’s Council and funded by federal dollars. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and the Administrative Office of the Courts Mediation Program will assist with service referrals and mediation training.

The new law and subsequent program will go into effect on Nov. 1.