House Bill No. 1480 seeks to reform the financial obligations placed on children and their guardians under the Oklahoma Juvenile Code. The bill introduces a new definition of "financial obligations," which encompasses all court-imposed fines, costs, fees, and assessments, while explicitly excluding restitution. It requires courts to evaluate the financial capability of children and their guardians to meet these obligations without impacting the case's outcome. If a court determines that they cannot pay, a hardship waiver may relieve them of the debt. The bill also specifies factors for the court to consider in assessing ability to pay, while excluding considerations such as child support income and certain government assistance. Additionally, it amends existing law to ensure that no detained youth or their guardians are responsible for detention costs.

The legislation further establishes stricter guidelines for the treatment of juveniles in adult detention facilities, mandating that visitation requests be processed within five business days and ensuring sight and sound separation between juveniles and adults. It clarifies that juveniles can only be placed in secure detention in adult facilities that meet specific licensing and separation standards. The bill prohibits any orders requiring detained youth or their guardians to pay for detention-related expenses and emphasizes the need for juvenile detention facilities to be certified by the Office of Juvenile Affairs. It also mandates the State Department of Health to set certification standards for adult facilities used for juvenile detention, thereby enhancing the protection and treatment of juveniles while ensuring accountability and oversight within the system.