At the beginning of February, Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA 23) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI 6) reintroduced the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act (H.R. 912), a bipartisan bill that unanimously passed the House during the last Congress. As the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) administrator, Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) celebrates the reintroduction of this critical bill, which will improve the cybersecurity of the 988 Lifeline and prevent potential disruptions to the service.

The bill would require the 988 Lifeline Administrator, currently Vibrant, to notify the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of any cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities in the network. Local crisis centers within the 988 Lifeline would be required to notify SAMHSA of cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities. Additionally, the bill mandates a study from the Comptroller General on the cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities of the 988 Lifeline, which is also required by the legislation. The bill would also require SAMHSA to coordinate with the Chief Information Security Office within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure the 988 Lifeline is protected from cybersecurity threats.

The reintroduction of the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act is a vital step in ensuring the security and reliability of the 988 Lifeline. With this legislation, Vibrant is proud to continue providing critical support to individuals in crisis while working alongside partners to safeguard this essential service. We look forward to continued collaboration and progress to protect those who rely on 988 for help.