Bill > HB3353

This bill updates language concerning conflicts of interest for members of the Pardon and Parole Board, which is the state agency responsible for considering pardons and paroles for incarcerated individuals. Specifically, it clarifies that a Board member, their law firm, law partners, or associates are prohibited from legally representing any inmate in a state prison. If such representation occurs, the Board member must forfeit their position. The bill also states that if an inmate was represented by a Board member's law firm before their incarceration, that Board member must recuse themselves from voting on that inmate's pardon or parole request. Furthermore, it mandates that Board members must act with independence, impartiality, fairness, and integrity, and if they believe circumstances could lead a reasonable person to question their impartiality or create an appearance of impropriety, they must disclose the potential conflict and withdraw from the matter. This act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3353&Session=2600