Bill > H8177

This bill establishes a dedicated fund and operational framework for a 988 hotline, which will serve as a suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management resource, aligning with federal legislation that authorized states to implement and fund such services. To ensure the sustainability of this 988 call center, a monthly surcharge, referred to as a "988 fee," will be applied to telephone lines, with the collected revenue deposited into a restricted receipt account managed by the general treasurer. These funds are specifically designated for the operation, staffing, technology, and public awareness efforts related to the 988 call center, with strict limitations preventing their use for direct behavioral health treatment or state agency operations. The 988 call center itself will be operated by an independent nonprofit entity appointed by the general assembly and approved by a federal administrator, ensuring its focus remains solely on responding to 988 calls, texts, and chats. The bill also amends existing laws to incorporate this new 988 surcharge into the existing E-911 emergency telephone number system, with the collected funds directed to the newly established 988 call center fund, and specifies that this act will take effect on July 1, 2027.