Criminal procedure; requiring implementation of certain competency restoration pilot program. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 811 requires Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to implement a community-based pilot program for restoring competency to defendants found incompetent to stand trial but capable of treatment. This directly affects individuals in the criminal justice system deemed incompetent due to mental health needs, as well as county jails and the mental health department. The bill mandates courts to suspend trials, transfer custody to the department (or a designated provider) for treatment, and hold periodic court reviews of competency progress. It specifically ties the pilot program to a court-ordered settlement (Briggs V. Friesen) and outlines clear steps for resuming trials or handling cases where competency is not restored. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025.