twitter
  • Text of Gov. Fallin's speech is now available at http://t.co/yx8bKepO (2/6/12 2:06pm)
  • Text of Gov. Mary Fallin's State of the State speech is now available online: http://t.co/yx8bKepO (2/6/12 2:03pm)
  • Gov. Fallin concludes State of the State Address, receives standing "o" from legislators in House chambers and those in gallery. (2/6/12 1:57pm)
  • Fallin: Excited to work with you to pursue her vision for Oklahoma and move the state forward, serve citizens. (2/6/12 1:56pm)
  • Fallin: Part of Fit Kids Coalition and American Heart Association to open facilities to public. (2/6/12 1:55pm)
endcap

PrintE-mailBill proposes merging corrections, parole

Bookmark and Share
Published: 03/02/10 - 6:10pm Written by Dick Pryor

Dome_CloseupOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma House has approved a plan to merge the state Pardon and Parole Board with the Department of Corrections to save money. House members voted 64-30 Tuesday on legislation by House Speaker Chris Benge of Tulsa that asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment to merge the agencies. It now goes to the Senate.

Benge says officials are trying to address a $1.2 billion shortfall in the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. He says one way to save money is to merge agencies. Benge says merging the corrections and pardon and parole agencies would save up to $400,000 a year. But other lawmakers say consolidating the agencies might affect the independence and impartiality of the Pardon and Parole Board.