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Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • Slight chance of rain, partly cloudy. 75. ⛅
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🎙️ Oklahoma Memo Podcast
OKLAHOMA MEMO
Oklahoma State Question 845: What voters need to know about changing how judges are selected
Poll results:
We received 277 votes on the Monday poll, “How much do you know about the judges on your November ballot?”
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ A lot! I've researched them. (38)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Some — I know a few names! (33)
🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Very little (97)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Nothing at all (109)
New poll question at the bottom of today’s newsletter. (You can also suggest a poll question by emailing me at [email protected].)
Oklahoma law requires judges to waive court debt for poor defendants. Some refuse.
Oklahoma law requires judges to waive court debt for poor defendants. Some refuse. (PHOTO by Sierra Pfeifer, KOSU)
By Maddy Keyes, The Frontier & Sierra Pfeifer, KOSU
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A 2023 state law was intended to help low-income people escape fines and fees they can’t afford. But an Oklahoma County judge argues the law is unconstitutional. A state Supreme Court ruling could affect defendants across Oklahoma.
**
Archie Riley couldn’t sign his own plea deal.
The 67-year-old has severe arthritis in his hand that makes it difficult to write, according to court records. It’s one of the reasons he struggles to work full time and can’t afford to pay the $1,358 he owes the court for a 2025 conviction for driving under the influence without a valid license.
Riley lives below the federal poverty level, lacks permanent housing, and receives food stamp benefits and Social Security SSI payments. He consistently struggles to buy food, according to court documents.
A 2023 state law requires judges to consider a defendant’s ability to pay their fines and fees. If the defendant receives certain government assistance, including food stamp benefits, or makes significantly below the poverty level, the judge must reduce their debt or clear it completely.
But that’s not what happened for Riley.
Oklahoma County Special District Judge April Collins denied Riley’s request to waive his court fines and fees in July, though she wrote in court documents he presented “sufficient evidence of a current inability to pay.” Instead, she issued a judgment, meaning debt collectors could claim any future income Riley manages to make beyond his government assistance.
An attorney with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is challenging Collins’ decision at the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Collins argues waiving court fines and fees under the 2023 law is unconstitutional. The Oklahoma Constitution bans the Legislature from wiping away debt owed to the state, counties or cities.
Oklahoma County isn’t forgiving any fines and fees for those who say they can’t afford to pay while the legal challenge plays out.
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The Oklahoma Rundown 📰
Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.
Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:
Thunder's Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace to undergo surgery; both sidelined indefinitely (KOCO)
Early voting to begin Wednesday in Oklahoma (Oklahoma Voice)
Oklahoma’s ACA premiums are going up again. Here’s what you need to know ahead of November enrollment. (Tulsa Flyer)
From electric bills to enrollment rates, Tulsa-area schools face budget squeeze (Tulsa Flyer)
BA police chief’s attorney speaks out as probe continues (Broken Arrow Sentinel)
1 dead after shooting outside northwest Oklahoma City bank (KFOR)
Remains found during search for victim in Antlers murder case (KXII)
Officials say $219k embezzled for plastic surgery, travel (KFOR)
City of Muskogee Foundation rejects mayor’s request to pay nearly $30 million in judgments (News On 6)
Oklahoma retains declining share of its college graduates (Oklahoma Voice)
Oklahoma reports one of the nation’s lowest Medicaid payment error rates (StateImpact Oklahoma)
United Keetoowah Band removes official looking to impeach the chief (KOSU)
Could Oklahoma’s pesky redcedars find use in soil health and orphan well plugging? (StateImpact Oklahoma)
Crossings Community Church senior pastor announces post transition (The Oklahoman)*
Tuesday Poll
Should Oklahoma judges be required to forgive court fines and fees for people who cannot afford to pay?
Explain this to me!
What’s happening in Oklahoma that doesn’t make sense to you? Send me your question. I may answer it here in Oklahoma Memo or turn it into a video.
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