Oklahoma House Bill HB2248

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Mental health; rural mental health and treatment diversion pilot programs; purpose; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; contracts; promulgation of rules; effective date.

Summary

HB2248 creates a new law directing the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, contingent on funding, to develop and implement rural mental health and treatment diversion pilot programs. The stated purpose of the pilots is to divert individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment programs. The bill authorizes the department to enter into contracts to carry out the pilot programs and requires the department’s board to adopt rules as needed to implement the new section. The measure is set to become effective November 1, 2025, and would be codified in Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new statutory section in Title 43A establishing a state framework for rural mental health diversion pilots. It would give the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services authority to contract with outside entities and to implement program rules, but only if funding is available. The bill primarily affects people in rural areas with mental health needs, as well as courts, law enforcement, and treatment providers involved in diversion from the criminal justice system.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows clear support for the measure at the subcommittee level, with a 6-0 do pass vote in the House Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate opposition or detailed concerns. Overall, the bill appears to have been received positively as a targeted mental health and diversion initiative.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the bill’s contingent funding structure: the pilot programs are required only if funding is available, which may raise questions about whether the program will be implemented or sustained. Another possible issue is the use of pilot programs and contracts, which could prompt discussion about scope, oversight, and how rural communities will be selected or served. No explicit opposition is reflected in the available vote or transcript record.