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HB 2513

Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; individual to address the Department's consent decree; qualifications; emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kyle Hilbert and 1 co-sponsor

Pocket vetoed bill would have legislatively appointed an individual to lead Oklahoma's mental health department to address a court-imposed consent decree.

Pocket veto 06/15/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 2513

Legislative bill overview

HB 2513 would have authorized the appointment of a specific individual to lead Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to address an existing consent decree. The bill included emergency provisions to expedite implementation and specified qualifications for the position.

Why is this important

Oklahoma's mental health and substance abuse systems operate under a consent decree, typically imposed by courts to remedy systemic failures or constitutional violations. This bill sought to install leadership specifically tasked with compliance, directly affecting the state's ability to meet court-ordered obligations and the quality of services to vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Circumventing normal hiring processes: Appointing an individual by legislative action bypasses standard civil service recruitment and merit-based selection, raising concerns about accountability and qualifications transparency
  • Separation of powers: The legislature directly appointing executive branch personnel may exceed legislative authority and create tension with gubernatorial appointment powers
  • Consent decree specificity: The bill's focus on addressing a particular consent decree suggests possible disagreements about the department's current compliance trajectory or leadership effectiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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