Senate Bill No. 497 amends Section 1161 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, focusing on the adjudication of individuals with mental illness or defects. The bill mandates that the Forensic Review Board notify the district attorney at least 45 days prior to meetings that assess an individual's eligibility for therapeutic visits, conditional release, or discharge. It also updates the procedures for evaluating individuals found not guilty by reason of mental illness, including requirements for psychiatric evaluations and hearings to determine dangerousness and treatment needs.

The bill establishes a Forensic Review Board, consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor, to oversee the treatment and release of individuals adjudicated as not guilty by reason of mental illness. The Board will evaluate eligibility for therapeutic visits and conditional releases, providing recommendations to the court. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "person requiring treatment" by excluding individuals with mental impairments due to advanced age, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, intellectual or developmental disabilities, seizure disorders, or traumatic brain injuries. It also permits treatment proceedings to be conducted via videoconferencing, with the act set to take effect on November 1, 2025.