HB160 Summary

• Establishes a statewide Behavioral Health Crisis Communications Center operating 24/7 to receive calls, texts, and chats on the 988 suicide and mental health crisis hotline, coordinating mobile crisis teams and stabilization services.

• Creates the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Services Board comprising 15 ex-officio members and 3 gubernatorial appointees to oversee crisis services, develop a comprehensive statewide plan, and make funding recommendations.

• Implements a dedicated funding source through the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Services Fund, supported by a 60-cent monthly surcharge per phone line (wireline, wireless, and VoIP) and a 60-cent one-time fee on prepaid communications services.

• Exempts Lifeline Program consumers and wholesalers from surcharges; retailers collect and remit surcharges quarterly to the Department of Finance while retaining 3% for administrative costs.

• Requires the communications system to support multiple contact methods, integrate with emergency response systems, track mobile crisis teams via GPS, provide real-time bed availability data, and meet National Suicide Prevention Lifeline operational standards.