Oklahoma lawmaker files bill to rename state's Department of Corrections
OKLAHOMA CITY (KNWA/KFTA) — An Oklahoma lawmaker has filed a bill that would rename the state's Department of Corrections.
House Bill 1310 was filed on Jan. 15 by Rep. Justin Humphrey (R-Lane) and would rename the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) to the Oklahoma Department of Corruption.
'The Oklahoma Legislature has published all the bills for our upcoming 2025 session,' Humphrey said in a news release on Tuesday. 'It is not unusual that I would receive some negative comments, and several media stations have questioned why I file certain bills. One such bill that has been drawing numerous questions is changing the name of the Department of Corrections to the Department of Corruption. Many think this is a childish waste of time. I disagree.'
The release said Humphrey blamed the legislation on Steven Harpe, the department's director, who he said is 'the worst he's seen at the job in his 35 years of working for or with corrections.' The lawmaker continued saying Harpe has zero experience but his salary has increased $90,000.
Humphrey said he made an open records request for documents saying the raise was authorized but was told no records existed.
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'Based on the claim of no records, this seems like embezzlement,' Humphrey said.
The release said Humphrey was told by the department if he wanted to see other records, he would have to see them in person and not be allowed to make copies. Humphrey also said he was told he would be required to sign a non-disclosure contract because of his release of nonpublic records.
When Humphrey asked about what records he had released, department officials reportedly refused to tell him.
Humphrey said HB1013 brings attention to one small example of what he calls 'the Oklahoma swamp.'
The bill says any and all references made to the Department of Corrections would be amended to read the Department of Corruption
If the bill is passed, it would go into effect on Nov. 1.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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