OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has voted to commute the life without parole prison sentence of a convicted drug dealer to an amount of time that could make him eligible for parole.

The board voted 3-2 Wednesday to commute Larry Yarbrough's sentence to 42 years. Yarbrough is serving the 17th year of a life term on a conviction for trafficking in illegal drugs after former felony convictions.

If Gov. Mary Fallin approves the recommendation, Yarbrough would be eligible for parole in a year.

Yarbrough's attorney, Debra Hampton, called the recommendation a victory. Yarbrough's wife, Norma, said she hoped his sentence would be commuted to time served.

State Sen. Constance Johnson spoke on Yarbrough's behalf. She has filed legislation that would deter life prison sentences for non-violent drug offenders.