Oklahoma voters last week approved two state questions aimed at curbing the state's rapidly growing prison population, a decision likely to provide momentum for further changes to the state's criminal justice system.
State Question 780, which reclassifies drug possession and property crimes under $1,000 to misdemeanors, passed with more than 58 percent of the vote. A companion measure that would reinvest any savings into substance abuse and mental health treatment, State Question 781, was approved with more than 56 percent of the vote.
Gov. Mary Fallin called the passage of the two measures a "great step" and has formed a task force to explore more changes.
But prosecutors and law enforcement opposed the measures on the ballot, arguing it downplays the seriousness of drugs like heroin and methamphetamine.