A new bill introduced in the Oklahoma House by Rep. Justin Humphrey seeks to abolish the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and transfer its duties and resources to the State Department of Corrections.
House Bill 1343, filed this week, would transfer all responsibilities—including real property, records, and funds—from the Department of Mental Health to the Department of Corrections. The bill, which would take effect on July 1, 2025, also declares an emergency, meaning it would become law immediately upon passage and approval.
If passed, the legislation would significantly alter how Oklahoma handles mental health and substance abuse issues, consolidating those services under the state’s corrections system.