Representative Kevin Norwood

R

District 74

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

representative

News & Announcements

Mar 23, 2026
Recent Posts

House Passes Measure to Create Long-Term Fund for 988 Mental Health Lifeline

OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure to help ensure the long-term stability of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline passed the House floor with a unanimous vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration. House Bill 4092 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, creates the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund. The fund is designed to support the continued operation of the statewide crisis line as federal funding is set to expire in September. "Creating this revolving fund gives us a responsible path forward," Norwood said. "It allows the state to plan ahead, coordinate resources and ensure continuity of care for individuals in crisis. I am thankful to my colleagues for understanding this need and getting this one step closer to the finish line." According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the contract with Solari to operate the 988 Lifeline totals $5,760,886. The increased cost reflects both the loss of federal support and the expansion of services. The bill would not appropriate funding, but it would establish a dedicated fund to receive future federal dollars, state appropriations, grants and private contributions. Currently, the 988 Lifeline handles more than 7,000 calls each month statewide, showing the growing need for immediate, accessible mental health support. The program’s operations will remain unchanged, with trained professionals continuing to respond to calls, texts and chats. The measure also designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the lead agency for oversight of suicide prevention and crisis services. The department will coordinate with designated 988 Lifeline crisis centers and establish rules to improve communication, data sharing and service delivery across emergency response systems. "The 988 Lifeline has become a critical resource for Oklahomans facing mental health crises," Norwood said. "This measure is about making sure that help is always there when someone needs it most, regardless of changes in federal funding." The bill now advances to the Senate, where Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the Senate author.

Mar 11, 2026
Recent Posts

Bill Updating Oklahoma 211 Collaborative Advances to Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY – Freshman lawmaker Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has passed his first piece of legislation off the House floor, a measure that updates the governance structure of the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative. House Bill 4095 passed the House floor with an 84-4 vote and would provide that the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative oversees call centers that connect Oklahomans with services such as food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical assistance. The measure also would reduce the collaborative’s governing board from 15 members to nine members and establish staggered initial terms to help maintain continuity. "I am proud to champion this bill and see it pass the House," Norwood said. "I appreciate my colleagues for their support and for recognizing the importance of 211 services. It is my goal to keep connecting Oklahomans with critical resources by ensuring that 211 can continue to serve our community." The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, is the Senate author.

Mar 4, 2026
Recent Posts

Norwood Measures on Crisis Services, Public Safety Pass Committees Unanimously

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.