Pardon, Parole board withdraws policy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has withdrawn new eligibility requirements for inmates applying for a shorter sentence.

The Oklahoman reports (http://bit.ly/1iKA8Gn ) that the new policy was withdrawn Monday after the attorney general’s office determined the board acted improperly in approving it. Now the five-member board plans to move forward with the process of establishing new eligibility parameters for commutation.

Last month, the board approved changes that would have opened up commutation to more nonviolent offenders. Instead of adopting the changes as policy and procedure, Assistant Attorney General Jan Preslar said the board should enact the rules and allow time for public comment.

Commutation hasn’t been granted in Oklahoma for more than three years. But the board will consider commuting the sentences of 12 inmates on Wednesday.