Right On Crime (ROC) takes center stage in this NewsOK article from Capitol reporter Dale Denwalt. In the article, ROC Signatory Jerry Madden explains why he is getting involved in Oklahoma’s criminal justice reform efforts by reaching out to Governor Mary Fallin, Senate Pro Tem Mike Schultz, and House Speaker Charles McCall.
Madden wrote a letter to all three leaders encouraging them to pursue criminal justice reform in the next legislative session. Madden showcased the long term success of the reforms in Texas – reforms which Madden spearheaded in the Texas legislature – and he shared the obstacles he overcame to change the law.
While the article does not mention Madden’s letter specifically, it does clearly rescind one of the main arguments made by opponents of reform. Opponents claim Oklahoma is attempting to accomplish in one year what Texas did over the course of six years. Madden very effectively undermines the credibility of that argument by pointing out, correctly, the reforms in Texas occurred much more quickly.