All Roll Calls
Yes: 103 • No: 7
OklahomaSB 397Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure; extending sunset date. Effective date. Emergency.
Sponsored By: Micheal Bergstrom (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Senate Committee
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Behavioral health board continues to 2028
The State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure stays in place until July 1, 2028. The Governor, with Senate approval, appoints 4 licensed counselors, 3 licensed marital and family therapists, 2 licensed behavioral practitioners, and 2 public members. Members serve three‑year terms; a majority of the Board is a quorum. The Board meets 2 to 4 times a year for officer elections, scheduling, rule work, reviews, and nonbinding resolutions, and can hold special meetings. Specialty committees in each field recommend licenses and exam standards, but the full Board must approve. The Board oversees counseling, marital and family therapy, and behavioral practitioner licensing and practice, and must follow the Administrative Procedures Act for any rules. Members serve without pay but can be reimbursed for expenses and may use state conference rooms and admin help.
Emergency clause speeds up start date
The law contains an emergency clause, so it takes effect upon passage and approval. If any parts are set for a later start, they begin July 1, 2026.
Licensing and enforcement rules for counselors
The Board runs the licensing and certification system for counselors and related fields and can enforce conduct standards. It can contract with state agencies to investigate written complaints. The Board can lease an office (not in or next to a licensee’s office), buy equipment and supplies, hire staff, and set pay. An Executive Director hires staff, signs contracts, and manages daily work. All Board employees are in unclassified status, outside the Oklahoma Personnel Act. The Board can make other needed expenditures to carry out these duties.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Micheal Bergstrom
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Gerrid Kendrix
Republican • House
Mike Osburn
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/9/2026
Emergency
Yes: 90 • No: 1
House vote • 4/8/2025
Emergency
Yes: 13 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/25/2025
THIRD READING
Yes: 0 • No: 6
Senate vote • 2/13/2025
Emergency
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor 02/12/2026
2/12/2026SenateSent to Governor
2/10/2026SenateSigned, returned to Senate
2/10/2026HouseEnrolled, to House
2/10/2026SenateReferred for enrollment
2/9/2026SenateSigned, returned to Senate
2/9/2026HouseThird Reading, Measure and Emergency passed: Ayes: 90 Nays: 1
2/9/2026HouseGeneral Order
2/9/2026HouseCR; Do Pass Administrative Rules Committee
4/9/2025HouseSecond Reading referred to Administrative Rules
4/1/2025HouseFirst Reading
3/26/2025HouseEngrossed to House
3/26/2025SenateReferred for engrossment
3/25/2025SenateMeasure and Emergency passed: Ayes: 41 Nays: 6
3/25/2025SenateGeneral Order, Considered
3/25/2025SenatePlaced on General Order
2/19/2025SenateReported Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Administrative Rules committee; CR filed
2/13/2025SenateCoauthored by Representative Kendrix (principal House author)
2/11/2025SenateSecond Reading referred to Administrative Rules
2/4/2025SenateAuthored by Senator Bergstrom
2/3/2025SenateFirst Reading
2/3/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled (final version)
2/10/2026
Floor (House)
4/9/2025
House Committee Report
4/9/2025
Engrossed
3/26/2025
Committee Substitute
2/17/2025
Floor (Senate)
2/17/2025
Senate Committee Report
2/13/2025
Introduced
1/6/2025
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