Oklahoma House passes mental health bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma House has passed a mental health bill named after slain state Labor Commissioner Mark Costello.

House members voted 79-0 Wednesday in favor of the measure, with 22 members absent or not voting. The bill now heads to Gov. Mary Fallin's office.

The Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/244ssAU) reports the legislation allows for court-ordered out-patient treatment of adults with severe mental health conditions. The bill was renamed after Costello was stabbed to death inside an Oklahoma City restaurant last August. Costello's mentally ill son, 27-year-old Christian Costello, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in his father's death.

Costello's widow, Cathy, supports the measure. She and other members of the Costello family were recognized during Wednesday's session.

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The Gayly - 4/21/2016 @ 11:05 a.m. CDT