Oklahoma Senate Bill SCR12

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/25
• Engrossed: 5/29/25
• Enrolled: 5/29/25
• Passed: 5/29/25

Caption

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 department’s critical services, citing a reported budget shortfall of approximately $30 million and concerns about financial mismanagement and accountability within the agency. It also references the creation of a joint legislative select committee to review mental health finances and determine the extent of the agency’s funding needs. The resolution invokes Section 2-101 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes, which reserves to the Legislature the authority to remove the commissioner by a two-thirds vote of each chamber. By adopting SCR12, the Senate and House provide legislative approval for Friesen’s immediate removal and direct that the resolution be delivered to the Governor and Secretary of State. The measure does not itself amend the underlying statutes, but it exercises the Legislature’s removal authority under existing law and affects the leadership and administration of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The general sentiment reflected in the bill text and voting history is strongly negative toward the commissioner and supportive of removal. The resolution passed both chambers with substantial majorities, indicating broad bipartisan concern about the agency’s management and finances. The tone of the measure is corrective and urgent, emphasizing the need to restore accountability and stabilize services and employee pay. The main point of contention is whether the commissioner’s management caused or contributed to the agency’s financial problems and whether immediate removal was warranted. Supporters appear to view the budget shortfall and alleged mismanagement as sufficient grounds for action, while the small number of dissenting votes suggests some members were unconvinced that removal was the appropriate remedy or that the evidence justified such a severe step. The resolution also sits within a broader debate over mental health funding, agency oversight, and legislative versus executive control of department leadership.

Impact

SCR12 does not create new regulatory requirements or amend service-delivery statutes, but it directly affects the governance of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services by triggering the removal of its commissioner under Title 43A, Section 2-101. The practical impact is a leadership change at a major state agency responsible for mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and education, with potential consequences for budgeting, staffing, provider payments, and continuity of services. It also reinforces legislative oversight authority over agency management and finances.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR12 is largely critical of the commissioner and supportive of legislative intervention. The overwhelming adoption votes in both chambers suggest that most lawmakers agreed the agency’s financial condition and management problems required immediate action. The resolution’s language reflects frustration with budget shortfalls, accountability concerns, and the need to protect services and employees.

Contention

The central controversy is whether Commissioner Friesen should be removed for alleged financial mismanagement and inability to manage the agency’s critical responsibilities. Supporters of the resolution point to the reported $30 million shortfall and the findings or concerns of the select committee on mental health finances. Opponents, reflected in the small number of nay votes, likely questioned either the sufficiency of the evidence, the fairness of the process, or whether removal was the best solution to the agency’s fiscal problems.