Representative Norwood outlines bill to create dedicated 988 fund; measure passes 5-0

Representative Norwood presented legislation to create a dedicated 988 revolving fund intended to keep Oklahoma's Mental Health Lifeline operational after federal grant funding expires, and the committee adopted the measure by a 5-0 vote.

Norwood told the committee the bill "ensures that Oklahoma's 988 Mental Health Lifeline remains operational after federal grant funding expires by creating a dedicated 988 revolving fund," and said the legislation "strengthens statewide oversight, establishes quality standards for crisis centers, and prioritizes funding for 988 call centers for dispatch technology and a backup mobile responder, building a sustainable behavioral health crisis response system across Oklahoma." The presenter moved for adoption and yielded for questions; the record shows no debate followed.

Chairman Pate closed the explanation, asked for questions and debate, and staff opened the voting queue. The committee recorded a tally of 5 ayes and 0 nays, and the chair declared the Senate bill passed. Representative Norwood thanked the panel after the vote.

The transcript inconsistently cites the bill number (appearing as "S.B. 13 96" in the presenter's remarks and "S.B. 13 69" elsewhere in the record); that discrepancy appears in the meeting record and is noted here rather than corrected without an external source. The measure, as described in the hearing, would (1) create a state revolving fund for 988 operations after federal grants end, (2) set statewide oversight and quality standards for crisis centers, and (3) prioritize funding for call center dispatch systems and a mobile backup responder. The committee adjourned after the vote.