Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and the state’s commissioner of mental health, Allie Friesen, have come out against a proposed settlement that would resolve a federal lawsuit requiring timely competency restoration for jail inmates. According to them, the settlement does not serve the best interest of the state or patients of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. They believe it is unnecessary, costly, and would take away resources from other mental health treatment programs.
Friesen, who was appointed in January, has not had the chance to make changes that could improve the competency program. She has asked the Attorney General to allow her department to serve those 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 announced the proposed settlement on Monday, stating that it would enhance the justice system and help resolve court cases more promptly. The lawsuit alleges that the agency violated due process rights by not providing court-ordered competency restoration services in a timely manner. The settlement reached with plaintiffs’ attorneys aims to improve timely administration of justice but still requires approval from court and lawmakers.
Governor Stitt opposes the proposed settlement and believes that Oklahomans should not pay for an unfavorable settlement. He recently signed House Bill 2929 which includes $4.1 million appropriation intended for lawsuit settlement but Drummond’s office did not comment on his opposition viewpoint
