Bill > SB900

This bill requires Maryland to transform its behavioral health crisis response system by replacing crisis communication centers with State 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline networks in each jurisdiction. The 9-8-8 Lifeline (a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis support service) will serve as a single point of entry for crisis services, coordinating with local mental health providers, emergency services, and other hotlines. These new lifeline networks will provide comprehensive services including supportive counseling, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, referrals to resources, and direct dispatch to mobile crisis response and stabilization services. The bill mandates rigorous outcome evaluations, requiring annual data collection and public reporting on metrics such as call/text/chat volume, answer rates, crisis resolution methods, mobile crisis team performance, and crisis stabilization center usage. The data must be disaggregated by race, gender, age, and zip code, and used to develop policy recommendations aimed at reducing criminal detention and improving community health services. The new system will be implemented collaboratively by state administration, local behavioral health authorities, and community members, with the goal of creating a more responsive and supportive mental health crisis intervention system. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0900?ys=2025RS