Imposes a surcharge on monthly phone bills to fund the costs associated with the administration, design, installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline in New York state; establishes the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline trust fund.
Impact
If enacted, S09745 will modify the current state finance law by creating a specific trust fund for the 9-8-8 hotline. The funds will be utilized exclusively for crisis hotline operations and associated services, which proponents argue will significantly enhance the state's ability to respond to mental health emergencies. This is viewed as a vital step in supporting individuals during crises and improving overall public health conditions within New York. The bill reflects a growing acknowledgment of mental health issues and the necessity for accessible support services.
Summary
Bill S09745 aims to establish a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline in New York State by imposing a surcharge on monthly phone bills. This surcharge, which will not exceed thirty-five cents per access line per month, will fund the costs related to the administration, design, installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of the hotline. The bill mandates that all funds collected through the surcharge be directed to a trust fund specifically devised for these purposes, thereby ensuring dedicated financial resources for mental health crisis interventions.
Contention
While the bill is largely viewed positively by mental health advocates and service providers, there are potential points of contention regarding the surcharge's implementation. Some critics might argue that adding a surcharge to phone bills could disproportionately impact lower-income individuals and families. Discussions surrounding the bill may also touch on the adequacy of funding for the hotline and whether additional measures might be needed to ensure comprehensive mental health support beyond the establishment of a hotline.
Same As
Imposes a surcharge on monthly phone bills to fund the costs associated with the administration, design, installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline in New York state; establishes the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline trust fund.
Imposes a surcharge on monthly phone bills to fund the costs associated with the administration, design, installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline in New York state; establishes the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline trust fund.
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.
Imposes tax on collection of consumer data in certain instances; dedicates portion of annual revenues to support 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline.
Establishes the operations necessary for a 988 hotline for suicide prevention/behavioral health crisis management. Establishes the operations necessary for acute mental health crisis outreach/stabilization services in direct response to the 988 hotline.
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.