Oklahoma Department of Mental Health could be abolished under new bill

OKLAHOMA (KTAL/KMSS) — An Oklahoma lawmaker has introduced a bill that would effectively abolish the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in the state.

House Bill 1343, was introduced on by Rep. Justin Humphrey, on January 31. The bill is titled, An Act relating to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; abolishing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; transferring all duties, powers, and responsibilities to the State Department of Corrections; transferring all real and personal property; providing for codification; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

The bill would abolish the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use Services and put all of those services in the hands of the Department of Corrections. All funding, property, and powers that are related to mental health or substance use, will be diverted to the Department of Corrections, if this bill is to pass through the Oklahoma House.

The text of the bill states this takeover by the Department of Corrections would become effective July 1, 2025.

The bill was set to be introduced to the First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 1 on Monday February 3.

More information will be added as it becomes available.