This bill amends Section 1175.6a of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes, focusing on the competency restoration process for individuals found incompetent to stand trial. It mandates that the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services implement a pilot program to provide community-based competency restoration services, as required by the consent decree for Briggs V. Friesen, 23-cv-00081-GKF-JFJ. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department in providing treatment and therapy to individuals deemed incompetent, including the transfer of custody to the Department once a forensic bed becomes available, unless it is determined that remaining in county jail is in the individual's best interest.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the Department or its designee must report periodically to the court regarding the defendant's competency status. If an individual regains competency, a hearing must be scheduled within twenty days to determine the next steps in the criminal proceedings. The bill also addresses situations where individuals are found to be incompetent due to intellectual disabilities or other reasons, detailing the appropriate legal actions to be taken in each case. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage and approval.