H.B. No. 5342 establishes a new subchapter in the Government Code dedicated to Behavioral Health Crisis Services, specifically focusing on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The bill creates the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Trust Fund, which will be administered by the Health and Human Services Commission. This trust fund will consist of gifts, grants, donations, and other income, and its funds can only be used to implement, maintain, or improve the 988 Lifeline and cover the expenses of managing the trust fund's assets. Additionally, the bill mandates the commission to prepare an annual report on the usage of crisis centers participating in the 988 network.

Furthermore, the bill requires the commission to conduct a study on potential funding mechanisms to support the 988 Lifeline, including the feasibility of establishing a service fee on telecommunication services. This study aims to evaluate how such funding could enhance the lifeline's operations, improve local crisis intervention services, and address increased demand due to public awareness campaigns. The commission must submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026, with the section expiring on September 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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