Bill > HB2248

This bill establishes rural mental health and treatment diversion pilot programs within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (the Department), contingent upon available funding. The primary goal of these programs is to redirect individuals experiencing mental health challenges away from the criminal justice system and toward appropriate treatment options. The Department is explicitly authorized to enter into contracts necessary to implement these pilot programs, and the Department's Board is required to develop and promulgate (officially create and publish) rules to guide the implementation of these programs. The bill specifies that the rural mental health and treatment diversion pilot programs aim to provide alternative support and intervention strategies for individuals with mental health issues who might otherwise be processed through the criminal justice system. The programs are set to become effective on November 1, 2025, which allows time for planning, rule-making, and preparing the necessary infrastructure to support these initiatives.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2248&Session=2600