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HB 8177

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 988 CALL CENTER FUNDING AND OPERATIONS ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Creates a dedicated, independent funding stream and governance for RI’s 988 crisis center, funded by surcharges and restricted receipts for operations, training, and outreach.

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 8177

Summary of HB 8177 (Rhode Island, 2026) – 988 Call Center Funding and Operations Act

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a dedicated funding mechanism and governance structure for Rhode Island’s 988 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis response system.
  • Create a reliable, sustainable, and independent 988 call center operation funded through a restricted receipt fund.
  • Align Rhode Island’s 988 operations with the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act and SAMHSA guidance, ensuring nationwide standards are met.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions and scope (Chapter 39-21.3):

    • Defines the 988 call center as a designated, non-governmental entity in Rhode Island responsible for answering 988 contacts (calls, texts, chats) within the state.
    • Establishes terms for the 988 fee, Lifeline administrator, operator, telecommunications providers, and subscribers.

  • 988 Call Center Fund (restricted receipt account):

    • Creates the 988 call center fund, managed by the Rhode Island Treasurer.
    • Fund sources include:
    • 988 fee revenue (established by statute)
    • Legislative appropriations for 988 operations
    • Federal block grants or federal funds specifically for 988/crisis hotlines
    • Interest earned on fund deposits
    • The Rhode Island Division of Taxation deposits remittances into this fund.

  • Authorized uses (39-21.3-3):

    • Use funds to operate, staff, and maintain the 988 call center.
    • Fund technology and telecommunications infrastructure upgrades.
    • Provide required staff training per federal 988 program standards.
    • Conduct public awareness and first responder outreach about 988 availability.
    • Prohibits using funds for direct behavioral health treatment, case management, clinical services, expansion beyond authorized activities, or funding state agency operations.

  • Governance and independence (39-21.3-4):

    • The 988 call center is to be operated by a nonprofit entity appointed by the General Assembly and approved by the SAMHSA-designated Lifeline administrator.
    • The call center must collaborate with all state executive departments and operate independently of any single state agency’s control.
    • An advisory board may be formed to promote compliance with national standards; includes professionals with expertise in behavioral health across age groups.

  • Oversight and reporting (39-21.3-5):

    • The operator must file an annual report to the General Assembly by February 1, detailing:
    • Revenue by category (including 988 fees, grants, appropriations)
    • Expenditures (staffing, training, technology)
    • Service performance metrics (call volume, wait times, abandonments)
    • The State Auditor General must conduct an annual audit of the 988 call center fund and report results to specified legislative leaders and committees.

  • Indirect cost recoveries (Section 35-4-27 amendments):

    • Modifies the treatment of indirect cost recoveries from restricted receipt accounts, clarifying that 15% of cash receipts are generally transferred to general revenues, with specified exceptions.
    • Keeps certain accounts exempt from these transfers (a detailed list of exemptions is included, including the 988 Call Center Fund).

  • Funding mechanism and surcharges (amendments to 39-21.1-14 – E-911 Act):

    • Introduces a 988 surcharge as part of the broader E-911/funding framework.
    • Establishes a standardized surcharge structure split among E-911, first responder services, and 988 operations, with specific amounts set for different service types (landline/wireline, wireless, prepaid excluded for this portion but governed under related rules).
    • Surcharge proceeds are deposited into the 988 call center fund (for 988), the E-911 fund (for E-911 operations), and the general fund/IT accounts as applicable.
    • Requires carriers to collect and remit surcharges monthly, keep separate accounts, and provide uncollected reports.
    • Prohibits rate regulation implications from the 988 surcharge and requires that surcharges be itemized on customer bills.

  • Effective date:

    • The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Who or what would be affected

  • Subscribers and telecommunications providers: Creation and collection of a new 988 surcharge (embedded in existing E-911/funding framework), with funds directed to the 988 call center fund.
  • Rhode Island 988 call center operations: Establishment of an independent, nonprofit-operated center funded through the restricted 988 fund; enhanced independence from state agency control.
  • Public agencies and first responders: Indirectly affected by improved 988 infrastructure, staffing, training, and public awareness.
  • State financial and oversight bodies: Auditor General and General Assembly receive annual reports and audits; ongoing governance and reporting requirements are established.
  • Indirect cost recovery framework: Modifications to how restricted receipts are treated financially.

Procedural and timing notes

  • Referred to House Finance upon introduction (Feb 27, 2026).
  • Scheduled for hearing/consideration in May 2026.
  • Takes effect July 1, 2027, after establishment of funding mechanisms and governance structures.
  • Requires annual reporting and annual auditor oversight.

Bottom-line impact

HB 8177 would create a dedicated funding stream and independent governance for Rhode Island’s 988 crisis hotline, ensuring stable financing, compliance with federal standards, and accountability through regular reporting and auditing. It reallocates a portion of telecommunications surcharges to support 988 operations and codifies restrictions on how funds can be used, prioritizing call center operations, technology, staff training, and public outreach over direct clinical services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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