OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, alongside the state’s mental health commissioner, has rejected a proposed settlement aimed at resolving a federal lawsuit. The settlement would ensure timely and legally mandated competency restoration for jail inmates.
In a joint statement, Governor Stitt and Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen expressed their opposition, citing concerns that the settlement is not beneficial for the state or the patients served by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. They argued that the settlement is unnecessary, overly costly, and would divert resources from other crucial mental health treatment programs.
“I am just a few months into this position and have not been given the chance to implement changes that will improve our competency program,” Friesen said. “I respectfully ask the Attorney General to allow me and this department the opportunity to do what is best for the people we serve.”
Friesen was appointed by Governor Stitt in January. The lawsuit in question was filed in March 2023 by a group of court-appointed guardians ad litems on behalf of four inmates awaiting competency restoration services.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office announced the proposed settlement on Monday, claiming it would enhance the justice system and expedite the resolution of court cases. The lawsuit alleges that the agency violated the due process rights of pretrial defendants by failing to provide timely court-ordered competency restoration services. The settlement, according to Drummond’s office, would establish a plan to administer justice more promptly.
The settlement still requires court and legislative approval.
“The Attorney General is misrepresenting the facts. I did not and will never agree to have Oklahomans bear the cost of a flawed legal settlement,” Stitt stated.
Despite the opposition, on Friday, Governor Stitt signed House Bill 2929, which includes a $4.1 million appropriation intended by lawmakers to settle the lawsuit.
The Attorney General’s office has not commented on Governor Stitt’s objections.
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