This bill proposes the establishment of a 988 crisis hotline program and a corresponding 988 crisis stabilization fund within the North Dakota Century Code. The new section created will outline the creation of a special fund in the state treasury, which will consist of moneys deposited through legislative appropriations. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with implementing the 988 crisis hotline program, which will provide crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care to individuals in need. The department will also have the authority to adopt rules for the program's implementation and will be responsible for funding the hotline, contracting with crisis vendors, and collaborating with national crisis lines to ensure effective service delivery.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a legislative management report to be provided during the 2025-26 interim, detailing the balance and growth of the 988 crisis stabilization fund, along with any recommendations from the department. An appropriation of $500,000 from the community health trust fund is also included to support the establishment and implementation of the hotline program for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The bill aims to enhance mental health crisis response services in North Dakota by creating a dedicated hotline and funding mechanism.