PRESS RELEASE

McCullough Bill to Improve Tracking of Paroled Criminals Signed Into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 16, 2008) Legislation to improve tracking of paroled criminals across state lines has been signed into law.

House Bill 2533, by state Rep. Mark McCullough, adds new members to the State Council of the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision to improve that groupís ability to monitor criminals once they have been released from jail.

"The Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision regulates the transfer of offenders who move to other states when they are paroled or placed on probation," said McCullough, R-Sapulpa. The council is an important link in the chain of the criminal justice system. This law will improve public safety by ensuring law enforcement officials are notified whenever a sex offenders transfers to Oklahoma.

House Bill 2533 adds three new members to the council one each from the District Attorney's Council, the Indigent Defense System and the Administrative Director of the Courts.

McCullough said the addition of new members will allow the council to better inform professionals in Oklahom'ís criminal justice system of the requirements of the compact.

McCullough was appointed to the council last year and attended the group's national meeting last summer.

House Bill 2533 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 98-0 vote and passed the Senate 47-0 before being signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry.

CONTACT:
Contact: State Rep. Mark McCullough
Capitol: (405) 557-7414