The final days of the first session of the 60th Legislature have been full as lawmakers worked to finalize legislation and pass the state budget.
This week, I presented the Senate amendments to House Bill 2794, which directs targeted funding through the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity Fund. One key project is $4 million to help relocate the USS Batfish submarine at Muskogee War Memorial Park. The vessel has long served as a historic and educational landmark in our district.
Moving it to higher ground near State Highway 165 and north of State Highway 62 will protect it from future flooding and make it more accessible to visitors. This is a major win for our community and for preserving an important piece of naval history. The bill also includes $5 million for a new municipal park in Oklahoma County and $1.8 million for industrial infrastructure upgrades in western Oklahoma.
Alongside these rural and economic development priorities, one of the largest budget matters we addressed involved funding the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). This follows the release of an initial audit report from State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd, which outlines immediate financial shortfalls within the department. According to the audit, the department requires nearly $28.7 million in supplemental funds just to meet payroll and pay care providers through the end of the fiscal year, which closes June 30.
A separate analysis by an outside financial auditor, commissioned by Governor Stitt, came to a similar conclusion, estimating the agency’s shortfall at $29.9 million.
After reviewing both reports, the Legislature approved just over $31.5 million in supplemental funding to ensure the agency meets its payroll obligations. ODMHSAS will also receive $9.48 million to comply with a consent decree from a 2023 lawsuit over delayed treatment for pretrial detainees ruled incompetent to stand trial.
Even this preliminary audit points to serious financial and operational issues within the department, which has a budget topping $750 million annually. The auditor raised concerns about the agency’s commissioner hiring several six-figure executives, questionable spending on items such as a Super Bowl commercial and Narcan vending machines, and a general lack of fiscal oversight. It is clear that the department needs stronger oversight and far greater transparency moving forward.
As we close out the session, both chambers have now approved the state’s general appropriations bill along with more than 50 related bills that fund various state agencies and services. These bills will now go to the governor for final approval.
I hope all Oklahomans had a chance to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day this week and remember the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country.
It’s an exciting time as students head into summer break. I hope you enjoy the long weekend and stay safe.
It’s an honor to serve you at the Capitol, and I’m always here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at neil.hays@okhouse. gov or call my office at (405) 557-7302. I’d love to hear from you!
Neil Hays serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of Mc-Intosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.
