With all 50 states in legislative session this year and a new Presidential administration, the State Policy pillar of Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant)’s Public Policy and Government Affairs (PPGA) department has been busy tracking bills introduced that could potentially increase access to and funding for the crisis centers and the crisis continuum in the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) network. 

State Legislation on 988 Fees and Funding

Under the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, states are authorized to collect fees from telecommunications services to fund local 988 crisis call centers, similar to the funding model for 911 services. Since the 988 Lifeline was introduced in July 2022, many states have introduced and passed legislation to enhance and sustain it through various funding mechanisms and policy initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure its accessibility and effectiveness for individuals in crisis.

Ten states have enacted such legislation and implemented telecom fees to provide sustainable funding for their 988 crisis services. For instance, early adopters like Virginia and Washington collected between $10.9 to $30.4 million in 988 telecom fees during FY 2022. 

Since the start of January, eight 988 fee bills have been introduced across the states; some fees are specified, and some are not. Depending on the needs of the individual states, specific parameters are designated for each bill, including trust funds and funding sources. The PPGA department is pleased to offer a 988 Sustainability Fee Model Bill Template on our website, created in partnership with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and designed to assist states in drafting legislation to implement a telecommunications fee-based funding mechanism.

988 on Student IDs

In addition to tracking State Legislation on 988 Fees and Funding, our State Policy Pillar is also monitoring legislation being introduced regarding adding the 988 Lifeline (or other mental health emergency numbers) to Student Identification cards. With fewer than 20% of the country aware of the 988 Lifeline, providing this information to students – especially those in grades 6-12 and higher education – has been one of the top state priorities over the past several years. This year, six states have introduced state legislation around student identification cards, although we know districts that have added the number even without a state mandate.

The legislation surrounding the 988 Lifeline is evolving, with states adopting various strategies to fund and promote this vital service. The PPGA department's State Policy Pillar continues to monitor these developments to inform partners and other stakeholders so we can all work together for more effective mental health crisis interventions nationwide.