Senate Bill No. 690 amends Section 138 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes, focusing on earned credits for inmates in state correctional institutions. The bill introduces gender-neutral language by replacing "their" with "his or her" in several instances and specifies that the Department of Corrections will maintain complete records of inmates' participation in programs, particularly for those serving life sentences who are ineligible for earned credit deductions. It also establishes that inmates convicted of serious offenses, such as murder and violent crimes, will not qualify for earned credits. The bill outlines a structured classification system for inmates based on behavior and program participation, with corresponding earned credits for each level, and mandates the development of policies for the classification process and credit awarding.

Additionally, the bill allows inmates to earn achievement credits for completing educational programs, such as obtaining a high school diploma, while in custody, including during time spent in county jail awaiting trial or sentencing. To qualify, inmates must have continuous custody in the county jail related to their case. The bill requires that the accumulated time of every inmate be recorded monthly and sent to the Department of Corrections quarterly, ensuring transparency and accountability. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 57-138
Floor (Senate): 57-138