Corri Williams completed probation for burglary five years ago, but life after her conviction has been a challenge. Finding steady employment or housing remained difficult, despite her credentials, including a master’s degree in criminal justice administration.
“Even though you’re not getting in any trouble, because the charge is still there, they think you’re a liability,” Williams said. “It’s like, ‘How do we know you’re not going to go back?’ And it’s been nine years for me.”
Now, Williams and many others in Oklahoma may soon benefit from new legislation designed to make expungement more accessible for thousands of residents.
Senate Bill 2030: Expungement Made Easier
Earlier this month, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 2030 into law. The bill directs the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to launch a free online portal for expungement requests by November 1, 2026. By November 1, 2027, the agency is required to implement an automatic expungement system, aiming to clear all eligible records by the end of 2029.
The law applies to:
- Arrests with no conviction
- Pardoned offenses
- Misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, provided no new charges have been filed and at least five years have passed since completing the sentence
The arresting agency and prosecuting district attorney will still have the right to object to expungement under the automated system.
Impact on Oklahomans
Advocates say SB 2030 will enhance the Clean Slate Act passed in 2022. Technical issues had delayed automatic expungement implementation, but the new law sets clear deadlines.
Courtenie Jackson, an employment coordinator with the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub, shared how her two nonviolent felony convictions affected her life. She faced repeated rejection from jobs, housing, and volunteer opportunities. She plans to use the OSBI portal once it launches.
“After 10 noes, you’re thinking there’s no chance you’re going to get a job,” Jackson said. “It’ll put people who are educated and overqualified back into positions that need to be filled.”
The Clean Slate Initiative estimates that more than 300,000 Oklahomans will benefit once automatic expungement is fully operational.
Williams encourages her clients to review the legislation carefully and prepare to apply through the online portal. “It’s going to be a big change for Oklahoma,” she said. “Especially for people trying to advance their careers and education.”
Other Criminal Justice Reforms in 2026
Oklahoma lawmakers have also passed several other reforms in 2026 related to prison credits, medical parole, and failure-to-pay arrests.
Earned Credit Calculation
Senate Bill 1213 updates how good-time credits are calculated for state prisoners. Prisoners with class 3 or 4 designations will now begin earning credit at the time of sentencing, rather than when processed into state custody.
The change could affect over 1,000 prisoners, particularly in counties with backlogs. While the Department of Corrections does not expect a major population reduction, well-behaved prisoners can access programs and work opportunities sooner.
Emily Barnes, founder of the prisoner advocacy group Hooked on Justice, said the reform will motivate inmates to maintain good behaviour during incarceration.
Medical Parole Authority
Senate Bill 1255 simplifies the medical parole process. Starting November 1, the agency’s chief medical officer will decide medical parole eligibility, replacing the previous requirement that the Department of Corrections director approve referrals.
This change follows a decline in medical parole rates since 2021 and clarifies the authority of the Pardon and Parole Board after a prior Attorney General ruling limited its discretion.
Addressing Failure-to-Pay Arrests
House Bill 3321 examines how Oklahoma counties handle fines and fees. Some counties use private debt collectors and issue arrest warrants for unpaid fines, which has raised concern among advocates.
The bill establishes a committee to produce annual county-level reports on:
- Number of individuals booked solely for failure-to-pay warrants and their jail time
- Number of third-party vendors used for debt collection
- Amount collected through court compliance programs
- Amount collected per individual per county
The first report is due December 31, 2026, with subsequent reports due November 15 starting in 2027.
Oklahoma’s 2026 criminal justice reforms, from expungement to medical parole and good-time credit updates, aim to reduce barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals, improve fairness in the system, and provide meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and employment. Experts say these changes could help thousands of Oklahomans regain stability, pursue education, and re-enter the workforce.
