This bill, SB 255-FN, establishes a 988 trust fund in New Hampshire to enhance support for behavioral health crisis services. It introduces a new subparagraph in RSA 6:12 to include funds deposited into the 988 trust fund and defines key roles related to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, including the 988 Administrator and 988 centers. The trust fund will be financed through a telecommunications surcharge, revenues from special 988 license plates, federal funds, and other sources, with the state treasurer managing the fund to ensure that all moneys are nonlapsing and appropriated for crisis services. The bill also creates a Behavioral Health Crisis Services Advisory Commission to oversee the fund's administration, consisting of various stakeholders, and mandates that funds can only be used for expenses not covered by other health insurance programs.

Additionally, the bill introduces a telecommunications surcharge applicable to various telephone lines and mobile services, which will be collected monthly and remitted to the Department of Health and Human Services for deposit into the 988 trust fund. It also authorizes the issuance of special 988 number plates for a fee, with revenue directed to the trust fund. Key provisions include requirements for sellers with fewer than 150 retail transactions to certify their status, penalties for late surcharge payments, and the assurance that information compiled under this chapter will not be public records. The bill is projected to generate significant revenue for the state while improving the response to behavioral health crises through better funding and coordination of services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12, 135-C:2