Oklahoma House reverses vote, passes prisons director bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma House has reversed itself and passed legislation that alters the qualifications for director of the state Department of Corrections.

Without debate, the House on Wednesday voted 56-43 for a measure the House defeated on a 48-44 vote Monday.

The measure removes requirements that candidates for the job of corrections director have experience in the corrections field and a master’s degree. The bill would make interim Director Joe Allbaugh qualified to take the job permanently.

Opponents say the measure would let an unqualified person be appointed director, but supporters say some previous directors who met the job requirements have not performed well.

Allbaugh formerly headed the Federal Emergency Management Agency. His predecessor, Robert Patton, quit amid a probe after three flawed execution attempts under his watch.