Shannon Hanchett Act Now Heads To Senate

Legislation named for a Norman bakery owner who died inside the Cleveland County jail passes the house. The ‘Shannon Hanchett Act’ would offer more protection for those who experience a mental health crisis like Shannon Hanchett did back in November.

On November 26, the 38-year-old mother was exhibiting what police called “irrational behavior” during her arrest at an AT&T store. Police arrested Hanchett for making false 911 calls and obstructing an officer. She was placed in the Cleveland County Detention Center, where she died 12 days later.

Related Story: Norman Police Release Body Cam Footage Of Woman Who Died In Jail Custody 

“We were all shocked to know that she was in jail for 12 days and we were all shocked to know there were options and those options weren't exercised, and we don't know the reason why,” said Sereta Wilson, with the group “Justice for Shannon.” 

Wilson and other supporters of Norman’s “Cookie Queen” formed the group in the wake of Hanchett’s death.

“The things that we're doing are pulling records and asking questions and attending meetings and just kind of making sure none of this is forgotten,” Wilson said. 

And with House Bill 2157 also known as the Shannon Hanchett Act, the group feels this is a good first step in making that happen.

“It definitely gives it legs and heart, you know, and we want for it to be a good bill, we want it to have everything in it,” she said.

The bill would require a mental health assessment within 24 hours upon request by a county jail and if mental health treatment is needed, would allow an additional 24 hours to transport that individual to a state mental health facility.

“I like that there's a reporting by officers,” said Wilson. “If they don't seek that mental health assessment then there needs to be a reason why.”

If passed, the legislation would also recommend at least 20 percent of active-duty law enforcement officers with city, county, and state to complete crisis intervention training.

“While I think that training officers is always a good idea, I don't think requiring 20 percent is a bridge far enough,” she said. “You have to start somewhere and sometimes it's not perfect, I do love that this has bipartisan support.”

Hanchett was a beloved member of the Norman community and while her Cookie Cottage on Main Street now sits empty, her supporters are hopeful the bill will fill a need and help others.

“I just wish we would have found some solutions before other people had to die,” Wilson said. “But maybe we can move forward with this one.”

HB2157 passed through the House and is now headed to the Senate.