Senate Committee approves funding for state prison rodeo reboot

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, received approval Wednesday for Senate Bill 1427, legislation designed to fund revitalization efforts related to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary Prison Rodeo. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted in favor of creating a revolving fund for the Department of Corrections and allocating $8.3 million to make repairs and enhancements to the rodeo arena.

“This event provides an incentive for those in the correctional facility as they must be in good behavioral standing to participate,” Hamilton continued. “This gives them something to look forward to and allows them to be involved in a positive community experience, aligning with the DOC motto of ‘We Change Lives.’ By being part of a team and taking part in a family-friendly community event, the goal is that those incarcerated will continue on the path to a better life, in turn reducing recidivism rates across the state.”

Hamilton shared that the City of McAlester, the McAlester Area Chamber of Commerce, Choctaw Nation, and the Agricultural Board of Directors have all expressed their support for the prison rodeo reboot.  

The Department of Corrections has also directed $1 million of its budget towards the project, which is expected to take 18-24 months to complete.

“Bringing back the prison rodeo is something the McAlester community and many Oklahomans are excited about,” Hamilton said. “Under the current plans, the enhancements to the rodeo arena would make it suitable for a variety of events such as professional rodeos, concerts, and sporting events, effectively creating opportunities to generate revenue for the state, Corrections, and a number of local businesses.”

SB 1427 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Warren Hamilton at 405-521-5604, or email Warren.Hamilton@oksenate.gov.