Bill > HB1581

This bill increases the statewide tax on telecommunications lines to support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a national mental health crisis support service. Currently, the tax rate is 40 cents per line through December 31, 2025, and the bill proposes to raise this to 70 cents per line beginning January 1, 2026. The tax applies to three types of communication lines: radio access lines, interconnected voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service lines, and switched access lines. The tax will be collected by telecommunications service providers and deposited into the statewide 988 behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention line account. The legislative findings emphasize that this tax will help improve crisis response systems, reduce reliance on emergency room services and law enforcement for mental health emergencies, and provide greater access to crisis care services. By increasing funding, the state aims to continue developing an integrated approach to addressing mental health and substance use disorders, ultimately helping to stabilize individuals in the community and provide critical support during mental health crises.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1581&Year=2025&Initiative=false