Oklahoma has enacted a new law restructuring the governance of its 211 hotline service. House Bill 4095, authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood of Owasso, takes effect Nov. 1 and designates the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative as the lead entity for all statewide 211 call centers, placing the service under the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
The law reduces the collaborative's board from 15 to nine members, including three public-sector representatives and six from the private sector. Members will serve staggered initial terms followed by three-year terms and will receive no compensation.
The 211 hotline provides 24/7 access through phone, text, and web-based services, connecting Oklahomans with local and statewide resources during times of need. The service plays an important role in emergency response.
The restructuring was paired with companion legislation, Senate Bill 1290, which was signed into law and took effect July 1. That measure established the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund.