OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Mary Fallin on Tuesday commuted the sentences of 21 prison inmates convicted of various nonviolent offenses in an unusual move that underscores the Republican leader's push to reduce Oklahoma's prison population.

Fallin signed the commutations during an emotional ceremony at the state Capitol in which family and friends of the prisoners cheered every signature.

"As we prepare for this Christmas holiday season, let's not forget," Fallin said, pausing as her eyes filled with tears. "There is a God of second chances."

Only a small number of commutation requests typically...