Bill > SB255

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for supporting behavioral health crisis services in New Hampshire through the creation of a 988 trust fund and a new telecommunications surcharge. The bill defines the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as a national network providing free, confidential support to people in behavioral health crises, and creates a new trust fund to support these services. The fund will be financed through a new telecommunications surcharge on phone lines, federal funds, appropriations, and donations. A new Behavioral Health Crisis Services Advisory Commission will be established to oversee the fund, consisting of representatives from various state agencies, mental health organizations, and healthcare associations. The bill specifies that the trust fund can be used to implement and improve the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, support mobile crisis response teams, fund personnel with specialized training, and cover administrative costs. The telecommunications surcharge will be applied to various types of phone lines, including mobile and VoIP services, with specific provisions for prepaid mobile services. The goal is to create a sustainable funding mechanism to enhance mental health crisis support across the state, ensuring that individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies can access timely and appropriate assistance.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0999&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB255