House Bill No. 1968 proposes significant amendments to the powers, duties, and compensation of the Pardon and Parole Board in Oklahoma. The bill authorizes the Board to employ alternate members who will have the same powers and authority as regular members when assigned by the Chair in their absence. It outlines the appointment process for these alternate members, requiring specific qualifications such as experience as a prosecutor, public defender, or mental health professional. Additionally, the bill mandates that both regular and alternate members receive training related to their duties and establishes them as full-time salaried employees of the Board, with specified compensation amounts.

The bill also revises attendance requirements for Board members, increasing the number of allowed absences before facing penalties, and prohibits members from representing inmates in legal matters. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Board's integrity and impartiality, requiring members to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2025.