Signed by Governor John Carney, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a statewide suicide and mental health crisis hotline.

Highlights:

• Establishes 988 as the universal phone number for "the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system operating through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline” (Sec. 1).

• Establishes the Behavioral Health Crisis Services Board to provide oversight and input on the development of an integrated behavioral health crisis care system in this State (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes a dedicated surcharge to help fund the crisis hotline on telephone services (Sec. 1). 

• Defines Mobile crisis team (Sec. 1). 

• Exempts state government services from the telephone services surcharge (Sec. 1). 

• Repeals previous provisions about imposing an extra surcharge if the general assembly approves of it (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text