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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 59th Legislature (2024)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
FOR
HOUSE BILL NO. 3840 By: Pittman
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
An Act relating to mental health; establishing the
Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives
within Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services; providing the purpo se of
the Office; providing for administration of the
Office; requiring submission of reports to the
Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and
Speaker of the House; providing for codification; and
providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF T HE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 2-160 of Title 43A, unless there
is created a duplication in numberi ng, reads as follows:
There is hereby established within the Oklahoma Department of
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services the "Office of Faith-
based and Community Initiat ives", hereafter referred to as the
"Office".
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SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 2-161 of Title 43A, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, re ads as follows:
In order to maximize the effectiveness of state government
through collaboration with faith-based and community initiatives to
serve Oklahomans with respect to public purposes, such as improving
public safety, overcoming addiction, strength ening families and
communities, and overcoming poverty, the Office shall, to the extent
permitted by law:
1. Promote and foster the development of relationships and
coordination between state government and faith -based and community
initiatives and serve as a resource for and liaison between state
government and such initiatives;
2. Coordinate activities designed to mobilize public support
for faith-based and community initiatives through volunteerism,
special projects, and public -private partnerships ;
3. Ensure that state government decisions and programs are
consistent with the goal of partnering with faith-based and
community initiatives when doin g so is in the public interest, and
monitor how such decisio ns and programs affect faith -based and
community initiatives;
4. Work with state, local, and community policymakers,
volunteers, and public official s to facilitate coordinati on with and
empowerment of faith-based and other community organizations , where
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doing so, would improve such groups ' service to the communities
involved; and
5. Showcase and herald successful and innovative faith -based
and community organizations and civic initiatives.
SECTION 3. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 2-162 of Title 43A, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services shall carry out the training, engagement , and
implementation of the Office of Fait h-based and Community
Initiatives.
B. The Office may enter into such contractual and pro motional
agreements necessary to maximize the effectiveness of state
government through collaboration with faith -based and community
initiatives to serve Oklahoma ns with respect to public purp oses.
C. The Office may work with local governments, pr ivate
organizations, and citi zens as it plans and engages in activities
related to the Office.
SECTION 4. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statute s as Section 2-163 of Title 43A, unless there
is created a duplication in numberin g, reads as follows:
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Su bstance Abuse
Services shall annually submit to the Governor, the President Pro
Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate, and the Speaker of the
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, within ninet y (90) days after the
end of its fiscal year, a report setting forth its operation and
accomplishments of the Office of Faith-based and Community
Initiatives.
SECTION 5. This act shall become effective November 1, 2024.
59-2-10610 TJ 02/28/24