The Oklahoma Jail Standards Act amends existing laws governing the inspection and operation of detention facilities, including city and county jails. It empowers the State Commissioner of Health to establish rules for jail standards and mandates compliance from all detention and lockup facilities. The bill specifies that the State Department of Health will conduct annual inspections to ensure adherence to these standards, which include guidelines for inmate classification, emergency medical care, and supervision. It also introduces provisions for exceptions, allowing certain facilities to operate without meeting all standards if they detain individuals for no longer than twelve hours, and permits waivers under specific circumstances, such as natural disasters.

Additionally, the bill updates terminology to be more gender-neutral and removes outdated provisions. It emphasizes the importance of staff training, requiring a minimum number of hours for new employees and ongoing training for those in direct contact with inmates. The legislation mandates that adequate medical care be provided, particularly for juvenile offenders, who must be housed separately from adults. It also establishes guidelines for the management of detention facilities, including policies for inmate care, safety measures, and the reporting of changes in prisoner capacity. The bill is classified as an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage to ensure timely implementation for public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 74-192
Floor (House): 74-192
Floor (Senate): 74-192
Engrossed: 74-192
Enrolled (final version): 74-192