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Grassroots Criminal Justice Group Files 200,000 Signatures At Oklahoma Capitol

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A group wanting criminal justice reform measures on November’s ballot submitted more than 200,000 signatures to the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office Thursday.

The two state questions complement new laws passed during the 2016 legislative session.

State Questions 780 and 781 reclassify certain nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors and redirect monetary savings for more treatment and community rehabilitation programs.

Standing in front of boxes full of signature pages, Ryan Kiesel from the ACLU of Oklahoma says the measures are grounded in “evidence and reason.”

“The over 200,000 signatures behind us send a loud and unmistakable signal that the people of Oklahoma are no longer willing to tolerate the politics as usual when it comes to criminal justice reform,” Kiesel said.

Members of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform say they hope the measures build stronger, safer and healthier communities.

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Kate Carlton Greer was a general assignment reporter for KGOU and Oklahoma Public Media Exchange.
Kate Carlton Greer
Kate Carlton Greer is a general assignment reporter for KGOU. She previously covered Oklahoma's efforts in tornado response and recovery as part of KGOU's "Ahead of the Storm: The Oklahoma Tornado Project." Kate also served as the Community Calendar Producer from January to August in 2013. She grew up in Flower Mound, Texas, and studied broadcasting and electronic media at the University of Oklahoma.
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