The Oklahoma Supreme Court has rewritten ballot titles of two state questions designed to reform the state’s criminal justice system.
Justices voted 6-2 Monday to revise the descriptions of the proposals after determining the submitted versions by both a local grassroots organization and Attorney General Scott Pruitt were “misleading and partial.”
Pruitt found the original language in State Questions 780 and 781 did not fully explain the effects of the proposals. The attorney general rewrote the language, but Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform objected, calling the revised versions “misleading.”
The state Supreme Court sided with the grassroots organization and developed neutral language of its own.
In its decision, the court noted, “we conclude neither parties’ proposed ballot titles sufficiently describe the measures involved."
State Question 780 is designed to scale back mandatory minimum sentencing for certain offenses. State Question 781 will redirect any savings the state sees to expand community sentencing, drug rehabilitation and mental health programs.
Both proposals now need a Governor’s Election Proclamation to be placed on the ballot in November.
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