The bill amends Section 50-115 of the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System to clarify the definition of a "mental health specialist" for disability determinations. It specifies that a mental health specialist can include a psychiatrist, psychologist, or various licensed counselors. Additionally, the bill allows psychologists to provide certification for mental disability applications, ensuring that the State Board can consider their evaluations in determining disability benefits. The bill also outlines the conditions under which a member may receive disability benefits, including provisions for members who have been exposed to hazardous substances in the line of duty.
Furthermore, the bill establishes that if a member is determined to have a permanent total disability due to a violent act while performing their duties, they will be awarded a one-hundred-percent disability benefit. It also stipulates that the salary of a disabled member will continue while they are undergoing treatment for a period of up to six months. The bill includes various provisions regarding the eligibility for disability benefits, the process for determining disability, and the rights of members regarding their employment status in relation to their disability. The effective date for this act is set for November 1, 2026.