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RI H8177
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Maryann Shallcross-Smith
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AI Summary
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Establishes the "988 Call Center Fund" as a restricted receipt account administered by the General Treasurer to support Rhode Island's 988 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline operations
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Imposes a new monthly 988 surcharge of $0.50 on wireline telephone services, plus an additional monthly 988 fee (amount to be determined) on both wireline and wireless telecommunications services
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Requires the 988 call center to be operated by a nonprofit entity appointed by the General Assembly and approved by SAMHSA, operating independently from state agency control
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Restricts fund usage to call center operations, staffing, technology, training, and public awareness—explicitly prohibiting use for behavioral health treatment or state agency administration
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Mandates annual reporting to the General Assembly by February 1 on revenues, expenditures, and performance metrics, with annual audits by the Auditor General; effective July 1, 2027
Legislative Description
Establishes a fund and the operations necessary for a hotline for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management. Also instates a monthly surcharge on telephone lines to fund the 988 call center.
Public Utilities And Carriers
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Finance
2/27/2026