Proposed changes to Oklahoma's mental health and education systems threaten services for individuals with special needs.
Recent legislative proposals have raised alarms among parents and advocates for individuals with mental health issues and those with special needs, highlighting significant potential changes to Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and the provision of special education services.
Introduced by Rep. Justin Humphrey, House Bill 1343 aims to abolish the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, effectively outsourcing its responsibilities to the Department of Corrections. Set to take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed, this bill would transfer all duties, powers, and responsibilities alongside all associated funding to the corrections department. The move has prompted concern over whether mental health services could become more punitive than supportive.
Meanwhile, another bill, Senate Bill 1017, authored by state Sen. Dusty Deevers, is causing similar anxiety within the educational community. This proposal would strip Medicaid coverage for certain school-based services, limiting the health interventions available to students on Individual Education Programs (IEPs). According to the new framework proposed under Senate Bill 1017, medically necessary services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and psychological counseling would not be included within the educational necessities defined by federal standards.
"These services are not the responsibility of the Oklahoma K-12 public schools andshall be the responsibility of the parents or guardians to provide for their children off campus and after school hours," states Senate Bill 1017, which has acquired the ire of many parents who depend on these services being part of their child’s education.
Parents have expressed their fears about this bill, with one mother stating it would be detrimental to her children and calling it "discriminatory toward special needs students." Such sentiments echo across the state as advocates worry these changes may roll back decade-long efforts to secure comprehensive education for all, especially those requiring additional support.
Sen. Deevers responded to rising concerns via social media, assuring constituents, "No student's educationally necessary IEP services will be cut" and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring all educationally necessary services remain covered as mandated by federal law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
With the Oklahoma legislative session officially beginning, the fate of these bills remains uncertain. Both measures come amid broader discussions on how the state can best allocate resources for mental health and education, especially as the needs of vulnerable populations continue to increase.
Oklahoma's approach to mental health and education is under scrutiny, as these proposed changes could significantly alter the support structure upon which many families rely. The community's response to these bills may shape the conversation around how mental health and education services are funded and delivered moving forward.
With advocates for both mental health and special education on high alert, many are calling for clearer communication and policy decisions prioritizing care and education over punitive measures. The outcome of the legislation may determine the state's commitment to supporting its most vulnerable residents.