The bill amends Section 2-101 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. It modifies the appointing authority of the Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, changing the appointment process from being made by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate to being appointed by the Board. Additionally, the bill allows the Board to remove or replace the Commissioner without cause, whereas previously, removal required a two-thirds vote from both chambers of the Legislature. The compensation for the Commissioner will now be determined by the Board instead of the Governor.

Furthermore, the bill conforms language throughout the statute to reflect these changes and clarifies that all references to the Department of Mental Health or the Board of Mental Health will now refer to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, respectively. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.