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 the ability to pay, while excluding considerations such as child support income and certain government assistance.

In addition to addressing financial obligations, the bill amends existing laws regarding juvenile detention in adult facilities, establishing stricter guidelines for the treatment and separation of minors. It mandates that adult jails process visitation requests within five business days and ensures sight and sound separation between juveniles and adults. The legislation prohibits requiring detained youth or their guardians to cover expenses related to detention and emphasizes the need for juvenile detention facilities to be certified by the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Furthermore, it 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 in the detention system.