OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, joined Gov. Kevin Stitt for the ceremonial signing of two bills that restore state funding for 211 Oklahoma and restructure the statewide support system.

House Bill 4095 and Senate Bill 1290 secured $3 million in state funding for 211 Oklahoma and restructured the advisory council that oversees its operations.

"I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Dossett to secure passage of these two important bills," Norwood said. "Restoring state support for 211 will help ensure Oklahomans in every county can connect with critical services when they need them most. I’m grateful to Governor Stitt for signing these measures into law and to the advocates whose dedication helped carry them across the finish line."

Dossett said the bills will help direct state funding efficiently and strategically to serve Oklahomans in need across the state.

"It’s been an honor to work with Representative Norwood on these bills and with 211 advocates from both metropolitan areas," Dossett said. "I’m thankful to every legislator from across the state who lent their vote to this cause and to the governor for his signature."

The 211 hotline provides access to assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone, text and online. It connects residents with local and statewide resources during times of need and plays an important role in emergency response and recovery efforts.

State funding for 211 Oklahoma had not been appropriated since 2016, when it was phased out because of budget constraints. Since then, nonprofit organizations, United Ways, health systems and community partners have worked together to sustain the service through private fundraising and other support.

HB4095 takes effect Nov. 1. SB1290 took effect July 1.