The Oklahoma Board of Corrections has voted to support a directive from Gov. Mary Fallin that could mean releasing some inmates convicted of violent crimes — including murder and rape.
Fallin wrote in July that the board was misinterpreting state law on crimes that require convicts serve 85 percent of their sentence.
Fallin said the law allows inmates to earn good behavior credits throughout their sentence. Inmates had not been awarded the credits until after serving the 85 percent — meaning they were not released until serving 90 percent or more of their sentences.
The board voted 6-0 Thursday to follow the directive.
Board Chairman Kevin Gross said members believe the change will be an incentive for those serving 85 percent crimes to cooperate with officials while in prison.
