Mental health; rural mental health and treatment diversion pilot programs; purpose; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; contracts; promulgation of rules; effective date.

HB 2248 creates rural mental health pilot programs in Oklahoma designed to redirect individuals with mental health needs away from the criminal justice system and into treatment programs. The bill authorizes the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to develop these programs (subject to funding) and enter contracts to implement them, focusing on rural communities. It requires the Department’s Board to create necessary rules for the programs’ operation and sets an effective date of November 1, 2025. The bill directly affects rural Oklahomans facing mental health challenges who might otherwise interact with law enforcement or courts.