The proposed legislation introduces a new chapter, titled the "988 Call Center Funding and Operations Act," to Title 39 of the General Laws concerning public utilities and carriers. This act aims to establish a reliable and sustainable funding source for the 988 call center, which is essential for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis intervention.

The act outlines the creation of a restricted receipt account known as the "988 Call Center Fund," which will be held and administered by the state. The fund will consist of revenue collected from the existing 988 fee, legislative appropriations designated for 988 operations, federal block grant allocations or other federal funds specifically allocated for 988 or crisis hotline services, and interest or investment income earned on the fund.

The funds will be allocated to support the operation, staffing, maintenance, technology acquisition, training for call center staff, and public awareness outreach efforts related to the 988 call center. The act explicitly prohibits the use of these funds for delivering or funding behavioral health treatment, case management, or clinical services, expanding into service areas beyond those allowed by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, or funding operations, staff, or administration of any state agency.

Additionally, the legislation mandates that the 988 call center operate independently from state agencies, ensuring that it focuses solely on its core responsibilities of answering 988 calls, texts, and chats. The call center will be operated by a nonprofit entity approved by the Lifeline Administrator designated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and will collaborate with Rhode Island executive departments without being subject to their oversight or operational control.

An advisory board may be established by the operator to promote compliance with national standards and best practices. If established, the advisory board will consist of interested parties representing children and adult behavioral health providers.

The 988 call center operator will be required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly by February 1 of each year detailing revenue by category, expenditures by category, and service performance metrics. The Rhode Island auditor general will conduct an annual audit of the 988 call center fund and provide the results to the speaker of the house, president of the senate, and both the house and senate finance committee chairs. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
892: 39-21.1-14