Representative Kevin Norwood

R

District 74

Hi, I'm Kevin Norwood and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 74th District.

representative

News & Announcements

May 14, 2026
Recent Posts

211 Support System Update Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation designating the governance and coordination of Oklahoma’s statewide 211 support system has been signed into law. House Bill 4095 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso and Sen. Joanna Dossett, D-Tulsa, names the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative as the lead entity for 211 call centers across the state that connect Oklahomans with critical services, including food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical assistance. "This new law is deeply meaningful because behind every phone call is a real person or family facing hardship and searching for hope," Norwood said. "Whether someone needs help keeping the lights on, finding food for their children or getting connected to medical care, the 211 system is often the first place they turn. I am incredibly grateful to see this bill signed into law because it strengthens that lifeline for Oklahomans across our state." The 211 hotline provides 24/7 access through phone, text and web-based services. The hotline connects residents with local and statewide resources during times of need and plays an important role in emergency response and recovery efforts. "I would like to thank my legislative colleagues and the Governor for their support of 211," Dossett said. "The work we did together this session is a win for all Oklahomans." In 2016, state funding for the 211 system was phased out because of significant budget constraints. Since then, nonprofit organizations, United Ways, health systems and community partners have worked together to sustain services through private fundraising and support. HB4095 updates the Collaborative’s membership structure from 15 members to nine members, including three public-sector representatives and six private-sector representatives. Members will serve staggered initial terms followed by three-year terms and may be reappointed. Members serve without compensation. The measure places the 211 Collaborative under the administrative oversight of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and updates its structure to improve coordination, accountability and long-term sustainability of the statewide hotline system. Senate Bill 1290 , a companion bill to HB4095 and authored by Norwood and Dossett, was also signed into law creating the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund. HB4095 takes effect Nov. 1.

May 14, 2026
Recent Posts

New Law Allows Juvenile Oversight Office to Report Credible Threats

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation allowing the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to share complaint information with law enforcement when a complainant makes a serious threat of violence against a person or organization has been signed into law. House Bill 4302 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, allows complaint information from the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to be disclosed to appropriate law enforcement agencies when necessary to protect the safety of others after a complainant communicates a threat. The information otherwise remains confidential unless ordered released by a court of competent jurisdiction. Before the new law, complaint information was generally kept confidential unless a court ordered it released. This bill creates a specific exception for safety threats. "We want people to feel safe reporting concerns involving the juvenile system, and this law preserves those protections," Norwood said. "At the same time, we have a responsibility to act when someone makes a threat that could put others in danger. This legislation gives law enforcement the ability to intervene before a situation escalates." Gillespie agreed that the new law will help ensure safety for threats moving forward. "Law enforcement is always the best place to turn when someone makes serious threats of violence," Gillespie said. "This new law protects a complainant’s privacy while ensuring law enforcement is informed of credible risks to public safety. When it comes to alarming threats, it’s always better to be safe than sorry." Under HB4302, disclosure is limited only to appropriate law enforcement agencies when a reasonable person would interpret a communicated threat as a serious expression of intent to commit unlawful violence. HB4302 takes effect Nov. 1.

Apr 28, 2026
Recent Posts

Norwood Secures Passage of Bill Creating 988 Lifeline Fund

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, secured House passage of Senate Bill 1369, a measure to ensure the continuation and long-term stability of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Senate Bill 1369 would create the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund, which will support staffing, operations and the long-term sustainability of the 988 system. The state would be required to implement funding strategies to ensure the system is adequately supported, including maximizing federal funding opportunities and verifying reimbursements to behavioral health providers. The House passed the measure with a vote of 85-7. "Without legislative action, current funding for Oklahoma’s 988 system is set to expire soon, " Norwood said. "Since the launch of this critical three-digit number, thousands of Oklahomans have relied on this service, and we have a responsibility to ensure it remains available to those who need it most." The measure also designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the primary oversight entity for suicide prevention and crisis service activities, including coordination with designated 988 Lifeline crisis centers. Norwood said the legislation builds on earlier work to ensure continuity of care and access to crisis services across the state. "This measure creates a dedicated, sustainable funding structure and establishes clear oversight so we can provide a stable, coordinated response for individuals in crisis, both now and in the future," Norwood said. To support the implementation of the measure, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1164 , which provides $5.9 million in funding for the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund. That measure was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on April 21. The bill, authored in the Senate by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, now advances to the governor’s desk for final approval.