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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The House of Representatives has approved an $8.3 million Prison Rodeo Recovery Fund that will go towards the construction of a new arena in McAlester.
House Bill 3749 is authored by Rep. Jim Grego (R-Wilburton) and Rep. JJ Humphrey (R-Lane). The Senate side of the bill was authored by Sen. Casey Murdock (R-Felt.).
“More than 100 prisoners will be released at the 40th Labor Day Prison Rodeo,” a KTVY reporter said in 1982.
The Prison Rodeo, held at the state prison in McAlester, drew fans from all over the world and boosted the local economy.
“All the hotels were full, the restaurants were full,” Dan M. Reynolds, the prison’s warden from 1991 to 1994, previously said. “As soon as the rodeo ended, we had a meeting the following week to discuss next year’s rodeo.”
Reynolds said the rodeo began in 1940 to provide medical needs for indigent prisoners. As its popularity grew, so did its production.
Reynolds said celebrities such as Wanda Jackson, Reba McIntyre, the Beach Boys, Johnny Cash and Ray Price have performed at the rodeo over the years.
Inmates are taken out of their cells to become part of the team.
“Many of them have been riding horses all their lives, like Pat Potts, who grew up on a farm,” the reporter said in archival footage.
“Many of them had great talent,” Reynolds said.
For years, the prison had a budget and hiring freeze, and the money and staff didn’t exist to keep the arena open.
“In 1985, there were even concerns about the structure and foundation,” Reynolds said. “The situation continued to deteriorate.”
The last rodeo was held in 2009.
Now, the authors of HB3749 want to reinstate it, sparking heated debate in Congress.
“It’s amazing how many people want to participate. It’s amazing how many people are now asking wardens and wardens all the time about bringing back prison rodeos.” Congressman Grego said. “This is something that has been desperately needed since it was repealed in 2009.”
Rep. Grego said the rodeo will include good inmates who will act as volunteers. Only “Level 4” inmates can participate.
Rep. Grego added that if an inmate participates in a rodeo, his or her sentence will not be reduced.
Rep. Andy Fugate (D-OKC) said the event continues to exploit participants.
“These people will be giving up their right to health. They are so anxious to participate in the spectacle that they will sign up to any safeguards to protect their health,” he said. Ta. “At the end of the day, what we’re creating with this is a gladiator arena full of prisoners desperate to earn their leave.”
Representative Fugate’s concerns point to how the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City overworks prison staff, sometimes forcing staff to work two shifts at least three times a day in a row. This was in conjunction with the investigation by the Facilities Bureau. week.
The survey also revealed a lack of staff training.
Rep. Grego said inmates who participate will be required to sign a waiver that will exempt the prison from liability for any injuries or deaths resulting from the event.
Rep. Grego’s proposal would allow Congress to appropriate $8.3 million to revitalize McAlester Arena.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has already invested $1 million to revive the arena.
Rep. Grego was asked where the proceeds from the prison rodeo would be allocated. He said he is not sure but believes ODOC knows what is best.
Congressman Fugate said Congress does not delegate financial governance to other state agencies and questioned why ODOC would be different.
The proposal now goes to the Senate floor for consideration.
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