By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Corrections expert to meet with Okla. lawmakers
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An expert on corrections policy will meet with Oklahoma lawmakers to discuss possible criminal justice legislation.
Michael Thompson, director of The Justice Center with the Council of State Governments, will meet with lawmakers at the state Capitol on Tuesday.
House Speaker-designate Kris Steele of Shawnee says lawmakers should meet with Thompson prior to the 2011 legislative session that begins in February.
Steele says lawmakers need to maximize limited taxpayer funds and achieve better results in the corrections system. He says reform legislation could reduce recidivism among criminals and reduce the cost of the prison system on working families.
In June, Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation sponsored by Steele to allow nonviolent female offenders who are mothers to receive community-based services instead of prison.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.