Rep. Kevin Norwood has introduced House Bill 4092 to create a permanent funding source for Oklahoma’s 988 mental health hotline. The bill, known as the 988 Trust Fund, aims to replace federal funding that is set to expire later this year and would use a combination of state appropriations, federal dollars, grants, and gifts, as per the Oklahoma House of Representatives release.
The 988 hotline connects callers to trained mental health professionals who provide immediate support, link individuals to local resources, and deploy mobile crisis units when needed. Call volume has increased recently, with Solari Crisis & Human Services reporting 7,166 calls in the past month.
HB4092 will be considered during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which begins on Monday next week. If passed, it would ensure ongoing support for the 988 hotline in Oklahoma.
