Oklahoma HB3115: Department of Corrections; modifying qualifications of the Director of the Department of Corrections; deleting removal or replacement power of the Governor; effective date.

What the bill says

An Act relating to the Department of Corrections; amending 57 O.S. 2021, Section 506, which relates to Oklahoma Corrections Act of 1967; modifying qualifications of the Director of the Department of Corrections; providing term of service and reappointment; deleting removal or replacement power of the Governor; and providing an effective date.

From the engrossed text, March 17, 2026:

An Act relating to the Department of Corrections; amending 57 O.S. 2021, Section 506, which relates to Oklahoma Corrections Act of 1967; modifying qualifications of the Director of the Department of Corrections; providing term of service and reappointment; deleting removal or replacement power of the Governor; and providing an effective date. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 57 O.S. 2021, Section 506, is amended to read as follows: Section 506. There is hereby created the position of Director of the Department of Corrections. The Director shall be qualified for such position by character, knowledge, skill, ability, education, training and successful administrative experience and shall either be certified as a peace officer in this state by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, or shall have five (5) ten (10) years of professional level corrections work. The Director of Corrections shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall serve at the pleasure of ENGR. H. B. NO. 3115 Page the Governor and may be removed or replaced without cause for a term of five (5) years. The Director may serve more than one term and may be reappointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Compensation for the Director shall …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• David Hardin (R, HD-086) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. April 1, 2026: Second Reading referred to Rules
2. March 17, 2026: First Reading
3. March 17, 2026: Engrossed, signed, to Senate
4. March 16, 2026: Referred for engrossment
5. March 16, 2026: Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 80 Nays: 6
6. March 16, 2026: General Order
7. February 26, 2026: Authored by Senator Bullard (principal Senate author)
8. February 26, 2026: CR; Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee
9. February 18, 2026: Policy recommendation to the Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight committee; Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Public Safety
10. February 4, 2026: Referred to Public Safety

Votes

• Third Reading (March 16, 2026): 80 yea, 6 nay, passed
• Floor Vote (February 26, 2026): 12 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Public Safety Committee (February 18, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Floor Vote (February 18, 2026): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB3115?

HB3115 is a bill in the Oklahoma Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Department of Corrections; modifying qualifications of the Director of the Department of Corrections; deleting removal or replacement power of the Governor; effective date.

What does HB3115 do?

In its own words: An Act relating to the Department of Corrections; amending 57 O.S. 2021, Section 506, which relates to Oklahoma Corrections Act of 1967; modifying qualifications of the Director of the Department of Corrections; providing term of service and reappointment; deleting removal or replacement power of the Governor; and providing an effective date.

What is the status of HB3115?

In committee as of April 1, 2026. Latest action: Second Reading referred to Rules (April 1, 2026).

Who sponsored HB3115?

David Hardin (R, HD-086).

Where is the official record for HB3115?

On the Oklahoma Legislature website: https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB3115&Session=2600