Bill No. 251, introduced by Senators Gollihare and Stinson, amends existing legislation related to mental health and substance abuse services in Oklahoma. The bill expands the types of evidence-based services eligible for funding from the County Community Safety Investment Fund, which now includes mental health and substance use jail intake screenings and jail reentry programs, among others. Additionally, it establishes a minimum allocation of at least half of one percent (0.5%) of the total appropriated funds for each county government or multi-county partnership applying for these funds. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is tasked with issuing annual requests for proposals and will determine the number of awards and funding amounts based on available funds and population criteria.

The bill also updates statutory references and requires the Department to submit an annual report detailing the amounts awarded and services provided by each county or partnership. Furthermore, the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is given the authority to promulgate rules to implement the new provisions, including setting qualifications for eligible programs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.