OKLAHOMA CITY – Three measures authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, are now eligible to be heard on the House floor after receiving unanimous approval from House oversight committees.

House Bill 4092, which addresses Oklahoma’s 988 mental health crisis system, passed the House Appropriations and Budget Committee unanimously. The bill would establish a statewide 988 Trust Fund to support and maintain a comprehensive 988 Lifeline system and calls for improved use of technology to strengthen coordination and data collection for crisis services.

The bill would also designate the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the lead agency for suicide prevention and crisis services and require designated 988 centers to follow national standards.

"This measure helps ensure the 988 system does not go away, and that the state can properly support it so that it can continue serve as the lifeline for Oklahomans facing a mental health crisis," Norwood said.

House Bill 4095, which updates governance of the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative, passed the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee unanimously after previously advancing through the Children, Youth and Family Services Policy Committee.

The Oklahoma 211 Collaborative oversees call centers that connect Oklahomans with services such as food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical assistance. The bill would reduce the collaborative’s governing board from 15 members to nine members and establish staggered initial terms to maintain continuity.

"The 211 system plays an important role in connecting people with critical services across our state," Norwood said. "This bill would strengthen the governance structure to help ensure the system remains efficient and accountable in meeting the needs of Oklahomans."

House Bill 4302 also passed the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee unanimously. The bill allows the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to share a complainant’s identity with law enforcement if that individual makes a threat and disclosure is needed to protect public safety.

“House Bill 4302 would give authorities the ability to act when necessary to keep the public safe, while keeping the core responsibilities of the office intact," Norwood said.

All three measures are now eligible for consideration on the House floor.