The proposed bill amends Title 39 of the General Laws by adding a new chapter, CHAPTER 21.3, titled the "988 Call Center Funding and Operations Act." This legislation establishes a reliable funding source for the 988 call center, which is essential for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis intervention in Rhode Island. The bill creates a restricted receipt account known as the "988 Call Center Fund," which will be funded through a 988 fee, legislative appropriations, federal block grant allocations, and interest income.

The funds will be used to operate, staff, and maintain the 988 call center; acquire, upgrade, and maintain technology or telecommunications infrastructure; provide required training for call center staff; and conduct public awareness and first responder outreach efforts. The bill 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.

The 988 call center must operate independently from state agencies and will be managed by a nonprofit entity approved by the Lifeline Administrator designated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). An advisory board may be established to promote compliance with national standards and best practices. The call center operator is required to submit an annual report to the general assembly by February 1 of each year detailing revenue, expenditures, and service performance metrics. Additionally, 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