Oklahoma HB 1319: Prisons and reformatories; granting elected state officials the right to access facilities operated by the Department of Corrections for purposes of inspection and evaluation; codification; effective date.

Bill Text

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STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)

HOUSE BILL 1319 By: Humphrey

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to prisons and reformatories;
granting elected state officials the right to access
facilities operated by the Department of Corrections
for purposes of inspection and evaluation; providing
for announced and unannounced visits; authorizing
access to inmates; directing the Department to
implement security protocols to manage visits;
providing for codification; and providing an
effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 509.7 of Title 57, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. Beginning November 1, 2025, elected state officials shall
have the right to access all facilities operated by the Department
of Corrections for purposes of inspection and evaluation of said
facilities and to ensure compliance with policies and procedures
promulgated by the Department. An inspection and evaluation may be
announced or unannounced with higher risk facilities receiving more
frequent inspections and evaluations.

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B. The Department shall further allow elected state officials
access to inmates incarcerated at said facilities upon request by
elected state officials.
C. The Department shall implement the necessary security
protocols to manage said visits without compromising the safety and
security of the facility, its inmates, correctional officers, and
employees of the Department.
SECTION 1. This act shall become effective November 1, 2025.

60-1-10837 GRS 01/07/25