The bill SB 255-FN establishes a 988 Trust Fund in New Hampshire to enhance behavioral health crisis services. It introduces a new subparagraph in RSA 6:12 that allows for the deposit of funds into the trust fund, which will be financed through a telecommunications surcharge, appropriations, federal funds, and private donations. The state treasurer will manage the fund, ensuring that all moneys are nonlapsing and continually appropriated for crisis services, including staffing and technological improvements for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Additionally, the bill creates definitions related to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in RSA 135-C:2 and prohibits local governments from imposing additional taxes or fees on telecommunications services for 988 services.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a Behavioral Health Crisis Services Advisory Commission to oversee the management and distribution of the trust fund. This commission will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from state departments and mental health organizations, and will meet at least four times a year. The bill also introduces a telecommunications surcharge on residential, business, and mobile services, with specific limits on the number of lines charged, and includes provisions for exemptions for smaller sellers. Confidentiality measures are included to protect records related to the surcharge, and penalties for late payments will contribute to the trust fund. The estimated fiscal impact includes potential revenues of approximately $7.5 million from the surcharge and $0.5 to $1 million from license plate sales, with administrative costs for the Department of Health and Human Services projected at around $177,000 annually. The bill is set to take effect 30 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12, 135-C:2
As Amended by the Senate: 6:12, 135-C:2