Governor Henry Signs Bill To Keep Non-Violent Parents Out Of Jail

Governor Henry signed a bill Monday that will allow non-violent offenders who are parents to receive community-based services rather than be sentenced to jail.

Monday, June 7th 2010, 4:43 pm

By: News On 6

Governor Henry Signs Bill To Keep Non-Violent Parents Out Of Jail

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Henry signed a bill Monday that will allow non-violent offenders who are parents to receive community-based services rather than be sentenced to jail.

House Bill 2998 would encourage rehabilitative programs instead of jail time for certain non-violent offenders who are the primary caregivers to children who are minors.

Oklahoma incarcerates more women than any other state in the country, almost twice the national average.

The bill goes into effect November 1, 2010.