Senate Advances Oklahoma Jail Standards Act

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Monday unanimously approved Senate Bill 595, authored by Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. The legislation creates the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act and establishes comprehensive standards for the operation of detention and lockup facilities in Oklahoma.

SB 595 requires each facility to develop policies for the uniform admission and release of inmates, sensible security measures, maintenance of sanitary conditions, provision of wholesome and adequate diets, and the provision of adequate bedding and clothing, among other standard procedures.

The measure also provides that the State Department of Health shall inspect detention facilities at least once a year to ensure compliance with the standards outlined in the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act.

“The Oklahoma Jail Standards Act will establish clear guidelines for operations at Oklahoma’s detention facilities,” Weaver said. “Given the inherent challenges jails face, our goal is to put standards in place and proactively solve issues in order to prevent dangerous situations, injuries, or deaths. This effort aims to unify and consolidate expectations for jails, ensuring that all our detention facilities operate under consistent and effective standards that will minimize risks for both inmates and staff.”

SB 595 authorizes a facility to request a temporary waiver from the provisions of the measure if the enforcement would impose undue hardship upon the county, municipality, or public trust, or upon the inmates held at such facility.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives where Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, is carrying the bill.  

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Darrell Weaver at 405-521-5569 or email Darrell.Weaver@oksenate.gov