The bill establishes a new chapter in the General Laws titled "CORE STATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES SYSTEMS," which defines and provides provisions for the creation of 988 crisis centers that will operate 24/7, offering crisis intervention and care coordination. It mandates the establishment of a 988 lifeline as part of the state's behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities, and hospitals. The legislation emphasizes the need for collaboration among various health and emergency services to provide comprehensive support for individuals in crisis.

To fund these initiatives, the bill introduces a combined monthly surcharge for E-911 and the 988 suicide lifeline, applicable to residential and business telephone lines as well as wireless devices. The collected surcharges will be deposited into two separate restricted accounts dedicated solely to the operation of the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system and the 988 suicide lifeline. The bill allows the use of these funds for various purposes, including equipment maintenance, personnel costs, training emergency personnel, and educating consumers about the services.

Additionally, the bill requires the designated 988 crisis centers to meet program requirements and best practices guidelines, provide data and participate in evaluations, and ensure active collaborations with mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers. It also establishes an advisory board to provide guidance on the implementation and operation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6128: 39-21.1-14