Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes safety standards for homeless shelters in Oklahoma.

Highlights:

• Requires the State Department of Health to make the following rules concerning homeless shelters (Sec. 5):

• Basic life safety standards consistent with building and fire codes;

• Minimum sanitation and hygiene standards;

• Reporting procedures for safety events;

• Documentation verifying occupancy limits;

• Staff training standards consistent with local laws; and 

• Health and safety deficiencies within the shelter.

• Prohibits the State Department of Health from creating or establishing a statewide care structure (Sec. 5).

• Prohibits the State Department of Health from establishing mandatory benchmarks or outcomes thresholds (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes the State Department of Health to take immediate action in a shelter if conditions present an imminent threat to life or safety (Sec. 9).

• Authorizes the creation of a board of supervisors that will advise the Department of Health regarding health and safety rule development (Sec. 11).

• Specifies that this act is effective November 1, 2026 (Sec. 13).

Full Bill Text