988 

New Federal Bill

The 988 Implementation Act was introduced this week in Congress. You may view the press release and materials below. 

988 Implementation Act Packet (house.gov)
H.R.7116 – To provide for improvements in the implementation of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and for other purposes
Cárdenas Leads Introduction of Bipartisan 988 Implementation Act | U.S. Congressman Tony Cárdenas (house.gov)
New bill seeks to ensure upcoming mental health crisis hotline serves the most vulnerable (nbcnews.com)

New State Bill

Additionally, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan recently amended her AB 1988, 9-8-8 mental health crisis hotline system to be the new vehicle for change in California. As we wrote last summer, her AB 988 ran into inter-house problems; she has decided to relent on AB 988 and instead move this new bill through the process.