Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board delays changing criticized procedure

Five inmates whose early release requests were pending will have to be reconsidered once the policy is changed, officials said.

The board Tuesday also asked for public comment on proposed policy changes dealing with State Question 762. The board plans to vote on the policy changes in January.

The state question — approved by voters in November — removes the governor from the parole process for nonviolent offenders. The governor no longer has any say on whether nonviolent offenders are paroled. The governor still has the final say on violent offenders.

The proposals are posted on the board's website at www.ppb.state.ok.us.

Comments can be mailed to Tracy George, General Counsel, Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, First National Center, 120 N Robinson Ave., Suite 900W, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Comments also can be emailed to Tracy.george@ppb.ok.gov. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Jan. 4.