Governor Kevin Stitt and the state’s commissioner of mental health have expressed their opposition to a proposed settlement that would resolve a federal lawsuit requiring timely competency restoration for jail inmates. Friesen, newly appointed in January, has not had the opportunity to make changes that could improve the competency program. She requested the Attorney General to allow the department to serve the people they are responsible for.
The lawsuit was filed by court-appointed guardians ad litems on behalf of four inmates waiting for competency restoration services. The Attorney General’s office publicized the proposed settlement on Monday, stating that it would enhance the justice system and help resolve court cases more promptly. However, Governor Stitt opposed the proposed settlement, stating that he would not agree to have Oklahomans pay for a settlement he views as unfavorable. He recently signed House Bill 2929, which includes a $4.1 million appropriation that lawmakers intended for the lawsuit settlement.
Friesen believes that the settlement is unnecessary, costly and would take away resources from other mental health treatment programs. She stated that it does not serve the best interest of patients of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or the state as a whole. The department is responsible for providing competency restoration services to those who need them, but this proposed settlement does not address this issue adequately.
The lawsuit alleges that the agency violated due process rights by not providing court-ordered competency restoration services in a timely manner. The settlement aims to improve timely administration of justice but still requires approval from both court and lawmakers.
Governor Stitt believes that this proposal is unfavorable for his state and its citizens and will do everything in his power to stop it from happening. It remains unclear what action will be taken next in this matter, but one thing is clear – there are concerns about how Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services handles its responsibilities towards those who need its help.
