Legislation establishing the governance and coordination of Oklahoma’s statewide 211 support system was signed into law on May 14. House Bill 4095, authored by Representative Kevin Norwood and Senator Joanna Dossett, designates the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative as the lead entity for call centers that connect residents with essential services such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, and medical assistance.
The new law is intended to strengthen access to critical resources for Oklahomans facing hardship. Norwood said, “This new law is deeply meaningful because behind every phone call is a real person or family facing hardship and searching for hope. 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 statewide hotline provides around-the-clock access via phone, text, and web-based services. It plays an important role in connecting residents with local resources during emergencies as well as in everyday situations.
Dossett thanked lawmakers and leadership for their backing of the measure: “I would like to thank my legislative colleagues and the Governor for their support of 211. The work we did together this session is a win for all Oklahomans.”
State funding for the hotline was phased out in 2016 due to budget constraints; since then nonprofit organizations and community partners have sustained operations through private fundraising efforts. HB4095 revises membership of the Collaborative from fifteen members to nine—three from public sector entities and six from private organizations—with staggered initial terms followed by three-year appointments without compensation.
The measure also places administrative oversight under the Oklahoma Department of Human Services while updating its structure to improve coordination and accountability. A companion bill (Senate Bill 1290) creates a revolving fund dedicated to supporting hotline operations.
House Bill 4095 will take effect November 1.
