To ensure that all Oklahoma jails are following the same standards, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 595, the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act. The bill’s author, Senator Darrell Weaver, says jail facilities need a framework.
“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 requires each jail 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 procedures.
The Oklahoma Department of Health would inspect the detention facilities once a year to check for compliance.
Facilities can request a temporary waiver if meeting the standards creates an undue hardship on the jail operator or on the inmates being held in the facility.
SB 595 moves to the House where Representative David Hardin will carry the bill.
