HJR168 Summary

• Establishes the Study Commission on the 9-8-8 Comprehensive Behavioral Health Crisis Communication System to develop implementation recommendations for Alabama's 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline before the national July 16, 2022 implementation deadline.

• Commission shall study 24/7 statewide coverage, technology triage systems, funding for call centers in every county, call answer rate improvements, compliance with National Suicide Prevention Lifeline standards, local resource linkages, and follow-up services for callers and texters.

• Commission membership includes 16 categories of representatives from state government agencies (Mental Health, Public Health, Veterans Affairs, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement), legislature (2 House and 2 Senate members), and behavioral health organizations including crisis centers, NAMI Alabama, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

• Commission chair is the Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner; co-chair is the State Health Officer; members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for expenses and legislative per diem where applicable.

• Commission must submit findings and recommendations to legislative leadership by January 11, 2022, the first day of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session, at which time the commission dissolves.