Oklahoma Lawmaker Refiles Bill to Keep Convicted Killers Behind Bars Longer
Oklahoma City – In a significant move reflecting ongoing concerns over criminal justice and public safety, State Rep. Steve Bashore has refiled House Bill 1001, aimed at mandating that convicted killers serve at least 85% of their sentence. This bill is particularly named after Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, two teenagers from Welch, Oklahoma, who were kidnapped, assaulted, and murdered in 1999; tragically, their bodies have never been discovered.
The bill comes in the wake of the controversial early release of Ronnie Busick, who was convicted as an accessory to the murders. Busick served only three years of his sentence, sparking outrage among advocates and the victims’ families, who argued that anyone involved in such heinous acts should not be allowed to walk free.
The proposal faced hurdles in the previous legislative session, primarily due to concerns from some lawmakers who suggested it might reverse progress made in criminal justice reform. State Senator Greg McCortney emphasized the need for rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, asserting that Busick’s release was facilitated through corrections credits rather than legislative action.
However, Bashore is optimistic that House Bill 1001 will be given due consideration in the upcoming legislative session, set to convene on February 3, 2025. "Why wouldn’t we keep a child murderer and rapist behind bars where they belong?" Bashore stated, expressing frustration over the current circumstances that allow such offenders to potentially evade lengthy sentences.
If passed, the bill would take effect on November 1, 2025, marking a potential shift in Oklahoma’s approach to handling serious violent crimes.
Source
Photo credit www.koco.com
