Mental health bill signed by governor
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law legislation allowing law enforcement officers to use telemedicine assessments for those who need mental health services.
Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, authored Senate Bill 3 to ensure people in mental crisis are treated as patients, rather than prisoners.
“Mental health is a growing problem in our state, and in order for those in crisis to heal, they have to get proper care and services,” Bullard said. “The hands of law enforcement have been tied when dealing with those in mental crisis because their only option was to take them to jail. Senate Bill 3 allows them to contact a mental health professional at the scene who can assess them virtually using telemedicine. The officer can then take the patient directly to the nearest mental health facility to get them the help they need much sooner and allow the officer to return to work faster.”
SB 3, which was approved unanimously by both the Senate and House, requires officers to transport individuals in need of mental treatment or subject to an emergency detention or protective custody order to the nearest facility within a 30-mile radius.
The law enforcement agency that provides the emergency transport to a treatment facility will be responsible for any further transportation following the completion of the examination, emergency detention, protective custody, or inpatient services. If there is not a facility in the area, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, or one of their contracted organizations, will transport the patient.
The new law will go into effect Nov. 1, 2021.
Senate approves National Guard funeral expense bill
The Senate unanimously approved legislation Monday to honor members of the Oklahoma National Guard who are killed in the line of duty.
Sen. David Bullard said House Bill 2374 will cover up to $10,000 of funeral expenses for the state’s heroes who lay down their lives while serving on state active-duty orders.
“There is no greater sacrifice or display of true patriotism than taking up arms and serving your country and state knowing that you may have to give your life,” Bullard said. “The bravery and selflessness of our military men and women is awe-inspiring. They’re willing to give it all to protect us and those around the world who can’t protect themselves. This bill will help the state honor that sacrifice and service by helping cover the costs of their final internment. God bless these brave souls, and I want to thank the House and Senate for their overwhelming support of this incredible measure.”
Under provisions of HB 2374, eligibility for the new program will be determined by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, who will provide funds to military families from the Oklahoma Homeland Security Revolving Fund.
The bill moves to the governor’s office for his approval.
‘Unfair practice’ halted with Senate Bill 44
Legislation was signed Monday by Gov. Stitt to stop the unfair practice of people being punished for missing court dates because they are incarcerated or detained by law enforcement.
Senate Bill 44’s author, Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, said she was pleased to see the commonsense measure signed into law.
“It’s very common for people to be in jail or police custody and miss their court dates under no fault of their own, and then have warrants or additional charges put on them,” Hicks said. “I thank my legislative colleagues for working with me stop this unfair practice.”
SB 44 requires any charges or warrants issued for failure to appear in court to be dismissed upon the defendant showing the court that he or she was incarcerated or otherwise detained by law enforcement at the time of the failure to appear.
Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, is the principal House author of the bill.
“Defendants who fail to appear in court should not be punished for that failure if they are incarcerated at the time of their hearing,” said Strom. “This would seem like common sense, but it’s a prevalent issue. SB 44 helps make sure that incarcerated individuals are not enduring double penalization.”
The bill, which passed the Senate and House unanimously, will go into effect November 1, 2021.
Anti-abortion bills head to Stitt for consideration
The Senate has given approval to a pair of bills to reduce the number of abortions in Oklahoma.
Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is Senate principal author of House Bill 2441, by House principal author, Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell. Under this bill, no abortion could be performed on an unborn baby who has a detectable heartbeat.
“This is simple and straightforward, but essential to Oklahoma’s efforts to protect the unborn,” Daniels said. “The child’s heartbeat is proof of life. This bill provides the legal authority necessary to protect and save that life.”
Under HB 2441, anyone guilty of violating this provision would be guilty of homicide. The bill does provide an exception to save the life of the mother or avert risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function, but that exemption does not include psychological or emotional conditions.
House Bill 1102, by Daniels and Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, would include the performance of an abortion under Oklahoma’s statutes for “unprofessional conduct,” unless the abortion is necessary to prevent the death or significant physical impairment of the mother. Mental or emotional health is not included in this exception.
According to the bill, those physicians performing abortions not exempted by this legislation would lose their licenses for at least one year.
HB 2441 and HB 1102 will next be sent to Gov. Stitt for his consideration.
The measure also includes language that would direct the Attorney General to calculate the cost of defending any portion of the act challenged as unconstitutional under either state or federal law.
Abortion measure approved by state Senate; heads to governor
A measure to restrict abortions in Oklahoma by ensuring only board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists can perform them passed the Senate Tuesday.
Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is the principal Senate author of House Bill 1904.
“Under current law, any licensed physician can perform this medical procedure. Until we can completely stop abortions in Oklahoma, this bill will ensure that at least women are being seen by a licensed OB-GYN,” Garvin said. “This can be a dangerous procedure, and should an emergency arise or the mother experience adverse effects, she’ll have a doctor specially trained to handle such situations. This will help better protect our state’s unborn and the health of their mothers.”
During her debate, Garvin shared with her fellow members that since 2012 approximately 100,000 abortions have been conducted in Oklahoma—a number she hopes will decrease significantly with this legislation.
Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, is the House author of the measure.
“House Bill 1904 protects the lives of both unborn babies and mothers by ensuring that when abortion does occur, it is absolutely medically necessary to save the life of mother and the physician performing this procedure is extremely well-qualified,” Roe said.
The bill now goes to Gov. Stitt for final consideration.