This bill amends Section 2-101 of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The key change involves the appointment authority of the Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The bill removes the Governor's role in appointing the Commissioner with the advice and consent of the Senate, instead granting this authority to the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Additionally, the bill allows the Board to remove or replace the Commissioner without cause, and it specifies that the Commissioner's compensation will be determined by the Board rather than the Governor.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that all references to the Department of Mental Health or the Board of Mental Health in existing statutes will now refer to the updated names, 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 take effect on November 1, 2026.