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NJ S193

Bill

Status

Passed

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Patrick Diegnan

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Permits operators of New Jersey's 988 crisis hotline and mental health crisis resources to make follow-up calls, texts, or chat messages to minors aged 16 and older who have been identified as high suicide risk, without requiring parental consent

  • Follow-up communications are classified as brief supportive contact for suicide prevention purposes only and do not constitute behavioral health treatment, diagnosis, or clinical care

  • Amends existing law (P.L.1968, c.230) that currently allows minors 16+ to consent to temporary outpatient behavioral health services but does not address post-crisis follow-up from hotline operators

  • Addresses the youth mental health crisis in New Jersey, where suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults

  • Takes effect immediately upon enactment

Legislative Description

Allows follow up communication from operators of telephone number for mental health and suicide crisis resources or 9-8-8 crisis hotline to minors at risk of committing suicide.

Withdrawn Because Approved

Last Action

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.238.

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available