Oklahoma Settles Federal Lawsuit on Inmate Competency

Oklahoma's top officials, including Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Governor Kevin Stitt, have reached a settlement to resolve a federal lawsuit filed in March 2023 regarding competency restoration services for inmates. The lawsuit alleged that the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services failed to provide timely treatment to indigent defendants declared incompetent to stand trial, causing significant delays in their legal proceedings. The agreement will allow the department to offer legitimate jail-based competency restoration services and is expected to prevent lengthy litigation costs. The settlement requires court approval and either the Oklahoma Contingency Review Board or the state Legislature's approval, with the board set to review the agreement in January. This resolution is seen as a major victory for both the state and taxpayers, aiming to improve mental health support while minimizing delays in the justice system. The settlement addresses systemic issues, including hiring more staff and increasing facility capacity to expedite treatment for those declared incompetent.