The bill aims to enhance the funding for the statewide 988 behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention line by increasing the associated tax rates. It amends existing laws to establish a tiered tax structure for various communication lines, including radio access lines, interconnected voice over internet protocol service lines, and switched access lines. The tax rates will start at 40 cents per line from January 1, 2023, and will gradually increase to 80 cents by July 1, 2027. The bill also emphasizes the importance of providing adequate funding to improve crisis response systems, which are essential for reducing reliance on emergency services and law enforcement during behavioral health crises.

Additionally, the bill modifies the use of funds collected from the tax, ensuring that expenditures prioritize the operation of 988 crisis hotline centers and designated contact hubs to meet specified call response rates. It mandates that a portion of the funds be allocated for personnel and services related to acute behavioral health and crisis stabilization, with specific provisions for supporting mobile crisis teams, particularly those affiliated with tribes in Washington. The bill explicitly states that the funds cannot be used to replace general fund appropriations for behavioral health services or Medicaid-covered services.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.86.020, 82.86.050