For Immediate Release
February 3, 2025
Contact: Jessey Neves
jneves@finesandfeesjusticecenter.org
(562) 453-6342
OKLAHOMA – Today, Governor Kevin Stitt made a bold commitment in his 2025 State of the State Address to reform fines and fees practices, acknowledging their role in trapping Oklahoma residents in a cycle of debt.
During his speech, Gov. Stitt shared the story of his guest, John Standfill, a man who, after serving 15 years in prison, was committed to giving back to his community by working at OSU’s Oklahoma City Center for Social Innovation. However, his opportunity for a fresh start is burdened by over $30,000 in incarceration fees.
Also present as guests of the Governor were FFJC’s Co-Executive Director Priya Sarathy Jones and Regional Director Sarah Couture. Their attendance underscores years of FFJC’s work alongside local partners to highlight the devastating impact of court debt and reaffirms the organization’s ongoing commitment to advocating for meaningful legislative and policy reform.
“Over the last several years, FFJC has helped build a powerful, sustained movement for fines and fees reform in Oklahoma through our collaboration with local advocates, directly impacted leaders, and policymakers across the political spectrum,” said Priya Sarathy Jones, Co-Executive Director of the Fines and Fees Justice Center. “Today, we thank Governor Stitt for standing with us, and all Oklahomans working to create a fairer, stronger, and more economically just state. Governor Stitt’s commitment to tackling fines and fees speaks to the strong bipartisan support for reform. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Stitt, Representative Tammy West, and our allies across the state to help build a path toward real second chances, stronger communities, thoughtful budgets, and an end to the economic harm of fines and fees in the criminal legal system.”
The Oklahoma Legislature is set to address this issue during the upcoming session, with several bills already introduced addressing court-imposed fines and fees. Proposed reforms include ending several harmful justice fees, overhauling collections practices, and eliminating debt-based driver’s license suspensions.
Alongside FFJC, a broad coalition of organizations is supporting these efforts, including Oklahoma Policy Institute, Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, Right on Crime, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Justice Action Network, and Oklahoma Appleseed.
The Fines and Fees Justice Center’s work in Oklahoma is part of the organization’s larger national efforts leading the End Justice Fees campaign, which is dedicated to eliminating all fees in the justice system and discharging fee debt. The End Justice Fees coalition is made up of organizations from across the political spectrum united in the belief that no one should be punished, criminalized, or saddled with lifelong debt because they cannot afford to pay a fee. We provide advocates and lawmakers with the tools and resources they need to end these fees and help their communities flourish.