Concurrent resolution; removing the Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Summary
SCR12 is a concurrent resolution directing the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Victoria (Allie) Friesen. The resolution states that the Legislature has lost confidence in her ability to identify, oversee, and manage the critical services provided by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. It cites a reported budget shortfall of approximately $30 million, along with concerns about financial mismanagement, accountability, employee pay, and the delivery of services to Oklahoma residents in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The resolution also references the creation of a joint legislative Select Committee to Review Mental Health Finances, which was tasked with examining the agency’s financial condition and determining what funding would be needed to support employee compensation and citizen services. Under the cited statutory authority, the Legislature asserts that it may remove the commissioner by a two-thirds vote of each chamber, and SCR12 declares that it constitutes legislative approval for Friesen’s immediate removal. The resolution further directs that copies be delivered to the Governor and Secretary of State.
Impact
SCR12 does not amend the underlying statutes governing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, but it invokes Section 2-101 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes to trigger the Legislature’s removal authority over the commissioner. Its practical effect is to authorize and formalize the immediate removal of the agency head, which could lead to a change in leadership at the department and potentially affect agency budgeting, oversight, service delivery, and administrative continuity. The resolution may also influence future legislative scrutiny of mental health appropriations and agency financial management.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text and voting history is strongly critical of the commissioner and supportive of removal. The resolution itself expresses a clear lack of confidence in Friesen’s leadership, and the House vote to adopt the resolution was overwhelmingly favorable, with 81 yeas and 5 nays. That vote suggests broad bipartisan or cross-faction support for the action, even if not unanimous.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether the commissioner’s management of the agency justified immediate removal, especially in light of the reported $30 million budget shortfall and allegations of financial mismanagement. Supporters appear to view the issue as one of accountability and the need to protect employee pay and public services, while opponents likely questioned the severity of the findings, the fairness of removing a commissioner through a concurrent resolution, or whether the financial problems were attributable solely to agency leadership. The resolution’s reliance on legislative removal authority under Title 43A also suggests possible debate over the scope and use of that power.