We reached out to the IRS for comment, but the IRS doesn’t comment on pending litigation. The rules in this Chapter provide procedures for inspecting all city and county detention facilities, city or county lockup facilities, and city or county detention facilities holding juveniles, as authorized by . “They’ll be less likely to bother or harass a person inside because they know that person has some people outside who can investigate,” Washington said. OKLAHOMA CITY – While many Oklahomans are already aware of the left lane law that takes effect on November 1st, there are many other laws that … Nearly three months later, the board has not authorized a special commutation or release of these inmates. Corrections officials in other states have raised concerns that the cameras could invade the privacy of inmates. Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein has much more information on their website about the lawsuit, which can be found here: https://www.lieffcabraser.com/cares-act-relief/, .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, chairs the House Public Safety Committee tasked with overseeing the corrections department. Three months later, one in four Oklahoma prisoners has tested positive for COVID-19 and 36 inmates have died. “The way I read the order, until the sheriff receives the packet from the IRS, I don’t see there are any legal requirements on the sheriff. Since March, the board has granted medical parole to just 12 inmates. “The inmates received an instruction form, and then a blank 10-40 form,” says Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves. Those forms were sent so that inmates at the jail can apply for stimulus checks from the federal government. State pardon and parole officials say the new law could make hundreds of inmates eligible for an accelerated commutation process when it takes effect Nov. 1, The Oklahoman reported. Inmates can file a grievance, but the process often takes several weeks and isn’t always effective. He said he plans to organize a committee of inmate family members who discuss conditions at state prisons and pursue legal action on behalf of prisoners treated unfairly. State officials grew tired of waiting for CVS to vaccinate vulnerable residents of Oklahoma’s veterans centers. We reached out to sheriffs in Allen, Crawford, and Bourbon counties in Kansas, as well as the sheriffs for Barton, Jasper, and Newton counties in Missouri. Inmates are now eligible to receive CARES Act stimulus checks Law firm that filed the lawsuits says county jail inmates are included. A number of them will get a hearing during the first week lawmakers return to Tallahassee. “I want to put up policies before our legislators,” he said. ‘It Was Hell’: Inside an Oklahoma Prison Coronavirus Outbreak, Inmates, Corrections Staff Express Reluctance to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine. Kevin Stitt is commuting prison sentences for more than 450 inmates to decrease prison overcrowding and reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in prisons. Earlier this week, the five-member state Pardon and Parole Board granted parole to 63 out of 74 inmates considered for administrative parole, with six stricken because of ineligibility or misconduct, and five having been discharged. (Correction: Stephanie Avery lived in dormitory-style housing in August, not a cell. CA’s inmate firefighter program is decades-old and has long needed reform. House Bill 1269 becomes law and it retroactively changes some felony crimes to misdemeanors. “I do believe that there can be change,” she said. “They said this is our fault and we deserve this.”. One of them was Robert Lavern. Groves explains that every inmate in the Cherokee County jail has filled out an application and that they are on their way back to the IRS. “I’m surprised that there’s a potential that they’re (inmates) even eligible because a federal law prohibits any inmates in the county jail anywhere in the country to receive federal benefits,” says Sandy Horton, Executive Director of the Kansas Sheriff’s Association. “Some guards would sit there and talk down on us, and tell us if we hadn’t gotten caught and weren’t in prison we wouldn’t have to deal with this,” Avery said. }, COVID-19 vaccine: Get the latest on doses and 4-State phases, https://www.lieffcabraser.com/cares-act-relief/, Joplin woman killed in early morning wreck, Person of interest in Sarcoxie homicide is male, authorities say, Luck runs out on Joplin business hosting illegal slot machines, Latest updated blog: Some snow Friday and long range forecast. Smith, a retired Moore resident whose uncle and nephew are incarcerated, founded the advocacy group Oklahoma Prisons Accountability Committee earlier this year. The board authorized its staff to schedule an accelerated single-stage docket when it receives a list of potentially eligible inmates from the Department of Corrections. Avery, a former Mabel Bassett Correctional Center inmate, says the officer pulled her mask below the chin, approached a group of women and shouted “I don’t care if you get sick.”. “And I can promise I have a great line to the Department of Corrections.”. field59.ipo = { Image FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2015, file photo, Don Knight, attorney for death row inmate Richard Glossip, waits to enter the grounds of the State Penitentiary in McAlester, Okla, for the scheduled execution of Glossip. The rising case numbers and death toll overshadowed with COVID-19 vaccinations. May 2020: New laws restrict drivers' license suspensions and the use of jailhouse informants but the governor vetoed a bill to expunge marijuana convictions. Inmates can also apply online using the IRS non-filers tool until November 21st. For some background, shortly after the CARES Act was passed the IRS updated their eligibility requirements to exclude deceased people and people who are incarcerated. The deadline for inmates to send a paper application to the IRS is November 4th. The 214 deaths reported for the first week of 2021 surpassed Oklahoma’s total from each of the first five months of the pandemic. If you said something bad your retaliation wouldn’t be good.”. This work is essential to a better-informed community and a healthy democracy. Though understaffed prisons have faced operational challenges throughout the pandemic, Humphrey says he hasn’t heard of widespread problems in the state’s corrections system. Hundreds of Oklahoma inmates are expected to be released Monday. OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CHAPTER 670. Law officers are looking for an Oklahoma County jail inmate who escaped through a jail window. Humphrey believes guards would be open to wearing a body camera, as it could deter inmates from conducting illicit activity or physically harming an officer. ), Keaton Ross is a 2020 Report for America corps member who covers prison conditions and criminal justice issues for Oklahoma Watch. Those forms were sent so that inmates at the jail can apply for stimulus checks from the federal government. A recent federal court summary judgment on October 14th means that the IRS cannot deny paying Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) — from the CARES Act passed in March — to inmates just because they are incarcerated. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An attorney for an Oklahoma death row inmate testified Wednesday that he has found new potential witnesses who … Funds in the new “individual coverage HRA” (ICHRA) c… "We really want you to … “When they see you’re not scared of them and you’re not going to back down, they’re not going to do anything,” Barnes said. Feb. 2020: Governor is pushing for new mandatory minimums the legislature is resisting. In addition to reducing the prison population, protesters said they would like to see the legislature take action to reduce instances of staff misconduct. Inmates ate small portions of beans and bologna for most meals during the lockdown. Attorney for Oklahoma death row inmate claims new evidence ... Associated Press 10/14/2020. Inmate family members who spoke with Oklahoma Watch say guards can retaliate against prisoners by pursuing arbitrary disciplinary action. With the start of the 2021 legislative session just seven weeks away, Humphrey said he’s again willing to engage with inmate family members and consider legislation that would help reduce the state’s prison population. CITY AND COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY STANDARDS ... individual performing the duties must be trained in appropriate laws, codes, standards, policies and procedures. The rule also classifies certain other HRAs as “excepted benefits” exempt from many health plan requirements. Then, in April, the California law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein filed a class-action lawsuit in Federal Court against the IRS, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the United States Government. Oct 15, 2020 Oct 15, 2020; FILE - In this Sept. 30, … She’s also connected with a community of former inmates and family members of prisoners who are fighting against poor conditions and staff misconduct inside state prisons. Mary Fallin after serving three years of her 20-year sentence. Share to Twitter. Foreign Investment in U.S. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Gov. “You can’t tell me that if each inmate doesn’t have five family members at the protest, we don’t have the numbers,” he said. Inmates seeking early release must apply for commutation or medical parole through the Pardon and Parole Board. I think the only difference here is the judge ruled inmates and their families.”. “So what’s stopping us?”. SUBCHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS . "Direct supervision" means the Detention Officer is in direct contact . “Anything extra like body cameras is probably not going to be a conversation we’re having this year,” he said. ... “There is currently no data to suggest that $50 and a bus pass is the best way to release an inmate,” Brandes said during the December meeting. Avery, the former Mabel Bassett inmate, said the implementation of body cameras would immediately change how some officers behave. Michael Washington, an Oklahoma City paralegal and justice reform advocate, was incarcerated for a nonviolent crime in the 1970s. Jessica Brown, chief of strategic engagement for the corrections department, said there is no grievance record of Mabel Bassett guard approaching a group of women without a mask. A total of 228 measures approved by the state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. When protesters gathered outside of Eddie Warrior in early September, he said he met with inmate family members and ensured that the women were receiving adequate food, water and medical care. }; CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. – A few days ago, a box from the IRS showed up at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in Columbus. Though groups like OK Cure, a nonprofit organization that advocates for criminal justice reform, used to organize protests outside of state prisons, Smith said the grassroots movement of inmate family members fighting for better prison conditions is something unprecedented and capable of causing change. Washington, who was incarcerated in the ’70s and helps inmates with legal paperwork, joined a small crowd outside of the Department of Corrections Oklahoma City headquarters on Dec. 11, 2020, to protest prison conditions. dropping considerably from March through July, Oklahoma On Track for Worst Month of Pandemic, CVS Delays Prompt Oklahoma To Step In With Vaccinations For Veteran Centers, Virus Spread Continues As Vaccine Roll Out Gains Pace in Oklahoma, After Capitol Siege, Pro-Trump Legislators in Oklahoma Stand By Election Challenge, COVID-19 Is Spreading in State Prisons. “We have the numbers, we have the intellect, and we have the opportunity,” he said. Washington, who was interrupted at times by honking cars, urged protesters to start putting pressure on state lawmakers and the corrections department to release more inmates and improve conditions. In a Sept. 22 press conference, Gov. Posted: October 30, 2020 7:39 PM. The duo settled on a Dec. 11 date and began advertising the rally on Facebook. “If there is an issue, I can’t promise that I can do anything, but I can promise I’ll look into it,” he said. Before that change was made, the IRS had already sent out around 100 million dollars in checks to inmates across the country. Doctorman said the greatest challenge to improving Oklahoma’s prison conditions is getting enough people to pay attention and care about what’s going on. She said the department aggressively seeks disciplinary action against staff who don’t follow the agency’s mask protocol. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board said that of the inmates that had their sentences commuted, 75 percent are men and 25 percent are women. By SEAN MURPHY October 14, 2020 GMT. In closed Facebook groups, some exceeding 1,000 members, family members of inmates discuss commissary access to gang tensions and staff failing to follow COVID-19 protocols. In this Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, photo, Steven Bickley, executive director of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, speaks about his new role and goals for the agency at the office in Oklahoma City, Okla. Parole officials say new criminal justice guidelines will likely increase the number of Oklahoma inmates eligible for accelerated commutations. Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. Inmates … “Let’s march to the Capitol and not just march, but let’s sit down in their offices and talk about things.”. In this article, we’ll take a good look at the new changes concerning marijuana […] by Zachary Dodge. News. State pardon and parole officials say the new law could make hundreds of inmates eligible for an accelerated commutation process when it takes effect Nov. 1, The Oklahoman reported. (Editor’s Note: This story was updated to include comments from a Department of Corrections official.). How Recreational Is Oklahoma's Medical Marijuana Market? During commutation hearings, the board may only consider if an inmate received a harsh or unjust sentence, not if they face a high risk of complications from COVID-19. } } More than 300 laws go into effect in Oklahoma Friday. The outbreak meant limited commissary access and weeks locked down. But other local jails that we spoke to haven’t heard from the IRS at all. It is important to note that the IRS has not put out official information stating that paperwork is being sent to county jails. 310:670-1-1. Though it’s difficult to contain the coronavirus in congregate living areas, Jonathon Smith says the actions of some corrections officers are contributing to the spread and putting inmates in danger. During a news conference Monday that bordered on a celebration, Stitt told a group of released inmates that Oklahoma is rooting for them. The Justice Department has set new dates to begin executing federal death-row inmates following a monthslong legal battle over the plan to resume the executions for the first time since 2003. That's according to a new report showing the Pardon and Parole Board approved 33% fewer commutation applications in 2020 than in 2019.In 2019, Oklahoma saw a historic number of commutations.“Commutation is meant to correct excessive sentences and the pardon and parole … CITY AND COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY STANDARDS. Families Say Oklahoma Is Not Doing Enough, COVID-19 In State Prisons: 'It's Supposed to be a Work Camp, not a Death Camp'. Updated: November 6, 2020 3:46 PM. CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. – A few days ago, a box from the IRS showed up at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in … The new law is also designed to help inmates transition back into society and the largest group of released inmates are drug offenders. OKLAHOMA CITY – While many Oklahomans are already aware of the left lane law that takes effect on November 1st, there are many other laws that … Advocates say the main obstacle to getting those numbers is convincing family members of inmates that it’s safe to speak out and protest. The most controversial of the bunch is likely permitless carry, allowing people to carry a gun without a license or training. “The inmates received an instruction form, and then a blank 10-40 form,” says Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves. Oklahoma Focuses on Criminal Justice Reform. The changes take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2020. It has to be postmarked by that date. The … An outbreak of 216 active cases is ongoing at the James Crabtree Correctional Center in Helena. So along with the change, the IRS required the recipients to repay them. Kalyn Doctorman, a 22-year-old from Mustang whose uncle is incarcerated, held an “inmates can’t distance” sign above her head. “They’re supposed to get 2,000 calories per day, and they’re getting like 700. Michael Washington holds a sign with the number of an inmate who was infected with COVID-19. In all good faith, we should probably be proactive with that and go ahead and do what we can to distribute the forms,” says Horton. var field59 = field59 || {}; Oklahoma recently made some changes to their state laws concerning marijuana. House Bill 1269, which took effect Nov. 1, directed the Pardon and Parole … The original bill Bill HB 26126 was primarily passed in March 2019. “The National Sheriffs’ Association has proposed legislation for the past several years along with the National Association of Counties to at least alter that suspension for inmates that are pre-trial inmates. Prior to seeking public office, Humphrey worked for the corrections departments in various roles for 20 years. “It used to work that way. "dfpConfig": { Medical parole eligibility is limited to inmates with serious medical conditions or those “dying or near death”. The ODOC tweeted the assaults took place at North Fork Correctional Center, Jess Dunn Correctional Center and Oklahoma State Penitentiary. “They’re afraid if they say something bad or their husbands say anything bad, they’re going to get in trouble for it,” said Beverly Funkhouser, a 61-year-old Purcell resident whose husband Dennis is incarcerated. So with the November 4th deadline quickly approaching, Horton says the Sheriffs’ Association will be sending as much paperwork as they can to sheriffs across Kansas. “We’ve actually heard of cases where the guards want the inmates to have the COVID, because then they get an extra $2 an hour.”. OKLAHOMA (NewsNation Now) — The Oklahoma Department of Corrections locked down all facilities Friday after more than 20 inmates were assaulted at three male prisons.Several of the inmates were transported to hospitals for treatment. With in-person visitation indefinitely suspended due to the pandemic, they want the corrections department to authorize video calls at all facilities. From car seats to natural hair, here are some of the changes going into effect in the new year. A slew of criminal justice reform bills will be up this 2020 legislative session. The inmates’ crimes were predominantly nonviolent drug offenses, but under mandatory minimum sentencing laws enacted during the crack and cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and ’90s they were sentenced to many years behind bars, according to federal law enforcement officials. Weeks later, Avery and 112 other women housed at the prison tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-August. ... October 30, 2020 7:39 PM. Every day we strive to produce journalism that matters — stories that strengthen accountability and transparency, provide value and resonate with readers like you. The best defense to staff retaliation, Washington says, is increased accountability. We have not been successful in changing that. Attorney for Oklahoma death row inmate claims new evidence. But, there are instances with county jails where an inmate may have been incarcerated maybe a couple of years waiting for trial,” says Groves. 74 O.S., Section 192. OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Early prison release could soon be a possibility for inmates, including those convicted of murder and those serving life sentences. OKLAHOMA CITY — A “flood of inmates” are using a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling to try to get released for crimes committed on Oklahoma’s Indian reservation lands, the state’s None of them have received any paperwork from the IRS, as of the date of this story. Under the ruling, the IRS also has to extend the deadline for inmates to file applications for EIPs, as well as send the necessary paperwork to prison officials for inmates. Now seven weeks removed from prison, Avery has settled into a transitional home and found work at a Northeast Oklahoma City hair salon. Other actions, like a mass release of inmates to relieve overcrowding and allow for better social distancing, would have to come through the legislature or governor’s office. Attorneys file new complaint on behalf of Oklahoma death row inmates hoping to stop resumption of lethal injection July 6, 2020 Attorneys for a number of inmates held on Oklahoma’s death row filed an updated complaint in federal court on Monday, the latest step in the saga of the return of the death penalty in the state. Reg.28888) partially reverses the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibition and allows health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to be integrated with individual coverage under certain circumstances. A federal judge this week ordered the Internal Revenue Service to stop withholding $1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks from people in state or federal … When group members started sharing reports of poor conditions at the Eddie Warrior Correctional Center in Taft in early September, dozens decided to rally outside of the prison. “Oklahoma criminal law is written very aggressively and strictly to prevent the Department of Corrections from releasing inmates before their sentences are over,” spokesman Justin Wolf told The Frontier in September. The states that met the federal standard for truth-in-sentencing in 1998 were: Arizona California Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Iowa Kansas Louisiana Maine Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri New Jersey New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Utah Virginia Washington Most state truth-in-sentencing laws … Best Music Of 2020 Music News New Music ... one that former inmates are prohibited by state law to pursue. If their family isn’t sending in money, then they’re just stuck.”. Defined Contribution Health Plans—A rule finalized in 2019 (84 Fed. Contact him at (405) 831-9753 or Kross@Oklahomawatch.org. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/21745780820/koam/coronavirus&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1610818153&cust_params=category=Coronavirus%2CLocal%20News%2CNews%2CTop%20Stories&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.koamnewsnow.com%2Finmates-are-now-eligible-to-receive-cares-act-stimulus-checks%2F&post=888913" Kayla Jo Jeffries was granted clemency by Gov. The cases now go to Gov. After dropping considerably from March through July, Oklahoma’s prison population has trended up since August as the corrections department has accepted more county jail transfers. “They need to stop feeding our people slop,” said protester Rhyssa Riley, whose son is incarcerated at the Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy. The board authorized its staff to schedule an accelerated single-stage docket when it receives a list of potentially eligible inmates from the Department of Corrections. “If their shift supervisor isn’t there, they’re going to do what they want to do and not wear the mask,” he said. OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CHAPTER 670. ... Officers . Jan. 2020: An abrupt change in the Senate's leadership; could boost viability of criminal justice reform Zachary Dodge. Though her symptoms were mild, Avery says a few women on her pod had trouble breathing and were hospitalized. But it isn’t possible without your support. Innocent until proven guilty in jail, yet you lose all your benefits. On Nov. 1, simple drug possession charges and low-level property crimes in the state will be reduced to misdemeanor charges. Follow him on Twitter at @_KeatonRoss. “So there is potential for somebody to be incarcerated today that may have been incarcerated when those initial stimulus checks went out.”. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An attorney for an Oklahoma death row inmate testified Wednesday that he has found new potential witnesses who might be able to help his client's case but who would be prevented from testifying by a state law because his client's appeals have been exhausted. Corrections department data shows the state’s 28 private and public prisons are at 85% occupancy. In addition to reducing cases and deaths, a successful vaccination process could allow the return of family visitation and in-person classes. State pardon and parole officials say the new law could make hundreds of inmates eligible for an accelerated commutation process when it takes effect Nov. 1, The Oklahoman reported. -Doug, Germany: Merkel's party elects pragmatic Laschet as leader, Some in the GOP parrot far-right talk of a coming civil war, AP Explains: Road to Palestinian vote full of obstacles, Restaurants, bars scramble for propane amid pandemic winter, SEAL pleads guilty to role in hazing death of Green Beret. Brown disputes the claim that food quality and portions have declined during the pandemic, saying all meals are approved by a dietician and inmates receive a minimum of 3,000 calories per day. “Primarily it will impact state prisons more than county jails. Nothing has happened to him over the past three years, but Barnes says she’s prepared to fight any disciplinary action tied back to her advocacy work. But it would cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide every corrections officer with the devices. He now assists state prisoners in filing legal paperwork. Associated Press. Mary Fallin will take effect Tuesday. Dressed in orange and black, protesters at Friday’s rally moved from the Department of Corrections parking lot to a grassy area along Martin Luther King Avenue. Purpose. Attorney General William Barr directed the federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the executions, beginning in mid-July, of four inmates convicted of killing children. Washington, the Oklahoma City paralegal, said inmate family members have to start putting pressure on state lawmakers to immediately take action to reduce the prison population. They want higher quality food in larger portions, every guard to follow COVID-19 protocols and  deep cleaning of facilities where black mold is rampant. Nearly 3,100 federal inmates will walk out of prison on Friday as a provision of the sweeping criminal justice reform act passed by Congress takes effect. More than 200 new laws to go into effect in Oklahoma: More than 200 new laws are set to go into effect in Oklahoma this year, including criminal justice reforms and measures to bring in more tax revenue. ... More than 900 inmates applied for an early release as part of the new law. According to the media contact for Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, the ruling includes people incarcerated in local county jails like Cherokee County. Such punishment may result in lost privileges, delayed release dates or solitary confinement. Attorney for Oklahoma death row inmate claims new evidence By SEAN MURPHY . Friday’s rally was a step towards that goal, Doctorman said. Kira Lerner Dec 19, 2018. The new policies change some of the existing laws for consumption as well as the use of marijuana. Kevin Stitt said the Pardon and Parole Board would consider releasing inmates convicted of nonviolent offenses with less than six months remaining on their sentence. Kevin Stitt for consideration. Oklahoma seeing a sharp decline in the number of prisoners being granted a reduced sentence. width: 100% !important; Oklahoma Governor Releases 21 Prisoners Shut Out Of Drug Sentencing Reform But more than 1,100 others are still serving sentences that voters decided were too harsh. Before speaking with the media, Barnes said she always informs her son, an inmate at the Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville, so he can prepare for possible retaliation. While 10,500 police departments nationwide require their officers to wear body cameras, the technology has not caught on in most of the nation’s jails and prisons. A quarter of Oklahoma’s legislature signed a letter asking Congress to challenge the results of the presidential election. Share Share to Facebook. 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