The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation to set standards for all state detention and lockup facilities.

Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, authored House Bill 3757, which would establish the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act and authorize the State Department of Health to promulgate rules to implement it.

"In the past, our jail rules were just that—rules," Hardin said. "But now, with this new law, we're making an effort to codify robust regulations into law, defining elements such as inmate living space and safety monitoring."

The measure directs detention facility inspections to be limited to the specific requirements of the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act or rules. Detention facilities must have staff available to perform sensitive functions and procedures to accommodate inmate gender.

Under HB3757, a county or municipality operating a detention facility may request a waiver from any provision of the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act or any rules upon a showing that application of such provision would impose undue hardship upon the county or municipality or the inmates held at the facility.

HB3757 passed the House 92 – 1 and moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Weaver, R-Moore.