Bill > HCR1004

This concurrent resolution approves a consent decree related to a class action lawsuit filed against the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Oklahoma Forensic Center. The resolution acknowledges that the Department is responsible for providing competency evaluations and restoration treatment for individuals found incompetent to stand trial, with the Oklahoma Forensic Center being the state's only secure, in-patient competency restoration facility. On March 1, 2023, a putative class filed a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, which resulted in a consent decree filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The parties recognize that the lawsuit raised serious claims and that resolving the matter through a consent decree would likely save the Department millions of dollars in potential legal fees and expenses. As required by Section 200 of Title 51 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Oklahoma Legislature is formally approving the consent decree through this resolution, with both the House of Representatives and the Senate concurring in its approval.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hcr1004&Session=2600