The bill amends the Oklahoma Corrections Act of 1967 and the Prisoners Public Works Act to enhance the oversight and authority of the State Board of Corrections. Key provisions include requiring Board approval for the Director's jurisdiction over prisoner discipline, the execution of various powers, and the appointment of wardens. The Director is also tasked with assisting the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation in certain investigations, while the Bureau is assigned investigatory duties regarding employee conduct. Additionally, the bill establishes a Legal Division within the Department of Corrections, allowing the Director to hire or contract attorneys with Board approval, and a Construction Division to manage inmate labor for construction projects, with specific rules governing inmate work and prohibiting union organization.

The bill further emphasizes the necessity of Board approval for various operational aspects, including the development of training programs for correctional officers and the management of prison industries. It stipulates that inmate labor must be used solely for public or state purposes and assist in rehabilitation. The bill also introduces employee programs requiring Board approval, modifies the Director's authority to include staff assignments for reintegration services, and mandates investigations into employee misconduct by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. If misconduct cases are found without merit, employees are entitled to reinstatement and back pay. The amendments are set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 57-510