OK
Oklahoma Senate Bill SB812

Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB812

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

Mental health; creating certain exception related to fulfillment of transport duties. Effective date.

Impact

The changes proposed in SB812 would significantly affect state statutes governing mental health care transportation. It introduces flexibility concerning transportation logistics, potentially reducing the time individuals wait for assessment and treatment while ensuring that law enforcement can engage mental health professionals right at the scene. This could lead to improved outcomes for individuals in crisis, mitigating the risks associated with unnecessary detentions or escalations during transport.

Summary

Senate Bill 812 focuses on amending existing laws related to the transportation of individuals requiring mental health services in Oklahoma. The bill allows sheriffs and peace officers to request an initial assessment of persons believed to require treatment directly at the point of initial contact, which can be conducted via telemedicine or in-person by licensed professionals associated with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. By allowing for assessments at the point of contact, the bill aims to streamline the process of getting individuals the help they need quickly and effectively.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB812 concerns the extent of law enforcement's role in mental health interventions. Critics may argue that placing such responsibilities on police could result in inadequate handling of sensitive mental health situations, possibly leading to further legal and ethical considerations regarding the treatment of individuals in crisis. Nevertheless, supporters emphasize the potential benefits of immediate assessments aimed at ensuring individuals receive appropriate care without unnecessary delays.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2864

Mental health; transportation costs; law enforcement; creating the Mental Health Transport Revolving Fund; effective date.

OK HB2864

Mental health; transportation costs; law enforcement; creating the Mental Health Transport Revolving Fund; effective date.

OK SB12

Mental health; creating the Mental Health Transport Revolving Fund; modifying procedures and requirements for transport of persons requiring treatment. Effective date.

OK SB1862

Mental health; transferring certain duty to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Effective date.

OK HB2157

Mental health; Local Law Enforcement Mental Health Manpower Act; written statement; creating the Shannon Hanchett Act; mental health evaluation; effective date.

OK HB2157

Mental health; Local Law Enforcement Mental Health Manpower Act; written statement; creating the Shannon Hanchett Act; mental health evaluation; effective date.

OK HB3451

Mental health; definitions; effective date.

OK SB286

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.

OK SB286

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.

OK SB1738

Mental health; modifying definitions. Effective date.

Similar Bills

CA AB815

Vehicle insurance: vehicle classification.

CA AB2721

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OK SB1862

Mental health; transferring certain duty to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Effective date.

CT HB07243

An Act Concerning Transportation Network Company Safety And Security Policies.

CA AB970

California Department of Aging: grants: transportation.

MI HB6269

Transportation: funds; funding for urban and rural bus programs; modify. Amends sec. 10e of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.660e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6270'24

OK SB12

Mental health; creating the Mental Health Transport Revolving Fund; modifying procedures and requirements for transport of persons requiring treatment. Effective date.

PA HR38

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on public transportation services for individuals with disabilities, establish a legislative task force and advisory committee and issue a report of findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives.