A bill filed in the Oklahoma Legislature would change how long a criminal would serve their sentence.

 House Bill 2946 or the “Lauria and Ashley’s Law”, would change the number of crimes where the “85% Law” would be enforced. Oklahoma’s “85% Law” focuses on sexual and violent crimes, like first and second degree murder, manslaughter in the first degree, and poisoning with intent to kill. Those convicted would be required to serve at least 85% of their sentences.

 The bill is a response to the early release of 71-year-old Ronnie Busick, who plead guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2020 for accessory to felony murder in the killings of Danny and Kathy Freeman, and the kidnapping and presumed deaths of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible. Because of Oklahoma Department of Corrections rules, Busick only served half of his sentence.

 Representative Steve Bashore, the author of the bill, says House Bill 2946 would not allow that to happen in the future, as it would expand what’s included in the list of crimes handled under the 85% Law.

 If approved, Lauria and Ashley’s Law would take effect on November 1st, 2024.