Relating to the establishment of a 988 emergency service fund, making an appropriation, and including effective date provisions

This bill relates to the establishment of a 988 emergency service fund (988 fund). The bill defines “988 service” as a service which provides the user of a public telephone system the ability to reach a suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing or texting the digits 9-8-8, or using an internet site chat function. The bill creates a 988 fund in the state treasury under the control of the department of health and human services (HHS). For FY 2025-2026, and each fiscal year thereafter, the bill transfers $3 million to the 988 fund from the general fund of the state. Moneys in the 988 fund are appropriated to HHS for distribution to persons operating a 988 service in this state in the event that federal funding for 988 services terminates, becomes delayed, or is otherwise impacted in such a way that interrupts 988 service in this state. The bill is effective upon enactment.