Oklahoma Senate Bill 812 Summary

• Allows sheriffs and peace officers to request on-site assessment by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services instead of transporting individuals believed to require mental health treatment, using telemedicine or in-person mobile crisis response teams when available.

• Exempts individuals from peace officer transport requirements if they have already been assessed at the point of initial contact by the Department, or if no appropriate facility exists within a 30-mile radius of the officer's headquarters.

• Defines "initial contact" as law enforcement contact with an individual needing assessment or detention, excluding those who voluntarily self-present at facilities.

• Creates exception for unaccompanied minors under 18 years old, requiring peace officers to remain at facilities until custody is transferred and staff confirm no clear or immediate safety threat exists.

• Establishes restrictions on mechanical restraints during Department-conducted transportation, permitting use only when individuals physically assault transport personnel, cause serious self-injury, or have documented history of violence; requires documentation in clinical records.

• Act becomes effective November 1, 2025.