The Oklahoma Counseling Institute

03/18/2026

Allowing expert testimony in human trafficking cases. Who knew this wasn’t already a thing?

Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, secured unanimous Senate approval Tuesday for legislation to allow expert testimony to be admissible as evidence in human trafficking cases.

Senate Bill 1810 permits expert testimony to be admitted in court when evidence of human trafficking is presented, a practice already allowed for domestic violence cases. In their testimony, experts may offer insights on how human trafficking affects the beliefs, behavior, and perceptions of the victim.

Read more: https://bit.ly/419gCu2

03/18/2026

More recess!!!

The Oklahoma Senate today passed Senate Bill 1481 from Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, to double recess time for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3NJrfAK

03/16/2026

New in-person workshops! New website! Update on which legislation is progressing. Plus, find out how you can earn 15% off on trainings!

03/16/2026

Advancing Bills Addressing Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice, and Public Safety are advancing in the Oklahoma Legislature. https://www.oklahomacounselinginstitute.org/seven-bills-affecting-behavioral-health-practice-advance-in-oklahoma-legislature

03/15/2026

SB 1428 Seeking to improve services for individuals suffering with Dementia passed the Oklahoma Senate on March 11 2026 and heads to the House. Read more here https://www.oklahomacounselinginstitute.org/oklahoma-senate-passes-bill-to-improve-alzheimers-and-dementia-service-coordination

03/13/2026

The proposed Mental Health Career Promotion Act would establish a new federal grant program to recruit prospective mental health professionals. This is essential, as the mental health workforce is declining. Urge your legislator to support the Mental Health Career Promotion Act at https://www.votervoice.net/NBCCGrassroots/Campaigns/134235/Respond.

03/13/2026

SB 1290 Funding the 211 Resource Hotline Passes Senate Committee

This week SB 1290 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a vote of 24-0. The bill would restore state funding for the 211 Oklahoma hotline, a resource that connects residents with essential services such as help with rent, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare.

According to a press release issued on March 9, 2026 by the bill sponsor Oklahoma Senator Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa “The state cut all funding from 211 about a decade ago during a horrible budget year,” Dossett said. “Since then, the philanthropic and non-profit communities in Tulsa and Oklahoma City have been carrying the entire burden of funding, overseeing, and operating the hotline, which serves Oklahomans in all 77 counties.”

The bill must be heard on the Senate floor by March 26, 2026. Those in favor of the bill are encouraged to contact their state senator.

Follow this bill, as well as, identify your state senator and their contact information at OCI's Legislation Tracker at https://www.oklahomacounselinginstitute.org/legislation

03/13/2026

SB 1238 Making Domestic Violence Witnessed by a Child a Felony Passes Oklahoma Senate

The Oklahoma Senate has approved new legislation aimed at addressing the impact of domestic violence on children and breaking cycle of abuse. Senate Bill 1238, authored by Sen. Bill Coleman of Ponca City, passed with a 42–3 vote in the Senate this week. The bill now heads to the House.

The bill would reclassify that first offense of domestic violence in the presence of a child from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Supporters of the legislation say children who witness domestic violence are often deeply affected, even if they are not the direct targets of abuse.

The proposal makes the first conviction of domestic abuse in the presence of a child to one to five years in prison, along with fines of up to $7,000.

To follow SB 1238 and other Oklahoma legislation check out the Oklahoma Counseling Institute's Legislation Tracker at https://www.oklahomacounselinginstitute.org/legislation

03/11/2026

HB 3888 to Eliminate OBBHL and OBLADC Does Not Move Forward, but Proposed Amendment May Have Future Repercussions learn more at https://www.oklahomacounselinginstitute.org/hb-3888-to-eliminate-obbhl-and-obladc-does-not-move-forward-but-proposed-amendment-may-have-future-repercussions

03/10/2026

The new Behavioral Care Center in Oklahoma County

Exclusive Look

Oklahoma County’s new Behavioral Care Center is set to open this year.

Here are some of the new features the facility will have