Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; requiring certain transfer. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The enactment of SB27 is expected to have a positive impact on state laws concerning mental health and community safety. By facilitating the timely distribution of funds, the bill aims to bolster local programs that address mental health and substance abuse, which are critical issues affecting many communities in Oklahoma. This funding initiative reflects an acknowledgment of the increasing need for mental health resources and is positioned as a proactive measure to foster community safety and well-being.
Summary
Senate Bill 27 (SB27) pertains to the funding and administration of mental health and substance abuse services in Oklahoma. Specifically, the bill mandates the transfer of $12.5 million from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to the County Community Safety Investment Fund. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance the capacity of these services at the county level, recognizing the role of local government in addressing community health issues effectively. Furthermore, the measure includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage, thereby prioritizing the allocation of funds for urgent needs.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SB27 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators and advocates focused on mental health initiatives. The bill received unanimous support in the Senate, with a vote of 43 to 0, indicating a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of funding mental health services. This level of consensus suggests that stakeholders recognize the pressing need for increased investment in mental health and substance abuse resources at the county level.
Contention
Despite its broad support, there are implicit contentions regarding how these funds will be utilized at the local level. Questions may arise about the accountability and efficiency of fund allocation, as well as the criteria used for distributing resources to various counties. Additionally, while the bill facilitates immediate funding, stakeholders might debate the adequacy of the amount relative to the overall needs of mental health services in Oklahoma, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and impact.
Mental health; requiring the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to issue certain request for proposals subject to availability of funds; transferring certain duties. Effective date. Emergency.
Substance abuse services; requiring Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to provide emergency opioid antagonists and education; requiring Department of Corrections and county jails to provide emergency opioid antagonists to certain persons subject to certain condition. Effective date.
Public finance; Large-scale Economic Activity and Development Act of 2022; modifying certain job threshold requirement; requiring transfer of funds if certain commitment is not received by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce by certain date. Emergency.
Mental health; prohibiting use of mechanical restraints during certain transport by Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or contracted entity except under certain conditions. Emergency.
Pilot program for mental health symptoms; pilot program by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; purpose; appropriations amount; source; effective date; emergency.
State government; State Employee Assistance Program; authorizing the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to enter into certain agreements; effective date.
School employees; creating an Education Employee Assistance Program within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; effective date; emergency.