HB 2287 Summary

• Creates the Mental Health Court Expansion Task Force to recommend measures for expanding Oklahoma's mental health court system, which provides modified approaches for defendants suffering from mental illness or developmental disability.

• Establishes 13-member task force composed of state agency heads (Attorney General, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Human Services, Department of Corrections, etc.), judges appointed by legislative leaders, and representatives from mental health court teams and the Governor's office.

• Requires the task force to submit a final written report to the Governor and legislature by January 1, 2015, identifying keys to successful mental health courts and recommending expansion strategies; task force terminates February 1, 2015.

• Directs the task force to hold an organizational meeting by December 15, 2013, elect a chair and co-chair, meet at least monthly, and receive staff support from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; members serve without compensation or travel reimbursement.

• Takes effect November 1, 2013.