The "988 Call Center Funding and Operations Act" establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for Rhode Island's 988 crisis hotline, which is essential for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management. The bill creates a restricted receipt account known as the "988 call center fund," which will be held and administered by the office of the general treasurer. This fund will be financed through a new monthly surcharge on telecommunications services, known as the "988 fee," as well as legislative appropriations, federal block grant allocations, and interest earned on the fund.

The authorized uses of the 988 call center fund include operating, staffing, and maintaining the 988 call center; acquiring and upgrading technology or telecommunications infrastructure; providing required training for call center staff in accordance with federal standards; and conducting public awareness and outreach efforts. The fund is explicitly prohibited from being used to deliver or fund behavioral health treatment, case management, or clinical services, or to fund operations of any state agency.

The bill mandates that the 988 call center be operated by a nonprofit entity appointed by the general assembly and approved by the lifeline administrator designated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The call center will operate independently and collaboratively with Rhode Island executive departments, without oversight or operational control by any single state agency. The operator may establish an advisory board to promote compliance with national standards and best practices.

Additionally, the operator is required to submit an annual report to the general assembly detailing revenue, expenditures, 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 key legislative leaders.

The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
8177: 35-4-27, 39-21.1-14