'We are going to have to stop a lot of legislation' Oklahoma sheriffs group says of 2018 session

MIDWEST CITY — The state's sheriffs are gearing up for a fight when the Oklahoma Legislature reconvenes early next year.

During a meeting of the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association on Thursday, members were told to expect a protracted battle over criminal justice reforms they largely oppose.

“This is going to be probably one of the biggest defensive years that this association has ever had,” said Ray McNair, the group's executive director. “We are going to have to stop a lot of legislation. There will be attempts on cutting fines, fees and costs. There will also be changes with regard to felonies and misdemeanors.”

Sheriffs and their conservative supporters believe lower sentences for drug possession and other minor crimes will embolden criminals and stretch county correction budgets. Oklahoma voters approved two state questions in November that reclassified possession as a misdemeanor. Lawmakers followed that effort with related legislation earlier this year, some of which passed and some of which stalled.