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Bill

A 4108

Imposes a surcharge on monthly phone bills to fund the costs of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 9 co-sponsors

Bill A 4108 adds a monthly surcharge on phone bills to fund the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline, enhancing mental health support for individuals in crisis.

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4108

Summary of Bill A 4108

Overview

Bill Number: A 4108
Title: Imposes a surcharge on monthly phone bills to fund the costs of a 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline
Status: Referred to Mental Health
Introduced: January 31, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 4108 is to establish a sustainable funding mechanism for the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline. This hotline is designed to provide immediate support and resources to individuals in crisis, thereby enhancing mental health services and potentially reducing suicide rates.

Key Provisions

  • Surcharge Implementation: The bill proposes a monthly surcharge on all phone bills. The specific amount of the surcharge has not been detailed in the current version of the bill.
  • Funding Allocation: Revenue generated from the surcharge will be allocated directly to support the operational costs of the 9-8-8 hotline, ensuring that it remains accessible and effective in serving individuals in need.
  • Oversight and Reporting: The bill may include provisions for oversight of the funds collected and require periodic reporting on the hotline's effectiveness and usage statistics, although specific details are not provided in the current text.

Impact

  • Individuals in Crisis: The bill aims to directly benefit individuals experiencing mental health crises by providing them with immediate access to support services through the 9-8-8 hotline.
  • Mental Health Services: By funding the hotline, the bill seeks to strengthen the overall mental health infrastructure, potentially leading to better outcomes for those in need of behavioral health support.
  • Telecommunication Providers: Phone service providers will be responsible for implementing the surcharge, which may affect their billing processes and customer relations.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey: As of January 31, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Mental Health committee for further consideration. The timeline for subsequent actions, such as hearings or votes, has not been specified.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to A 8020 from the prior session, which may provide context or background on previous efforts to fund mental health crisis services.

Conclusion

Bill A 4108 represents a proactive approach to addressing mental health crises through the establishment of a dedicated funding source for the 9-8-8 hotline. By imposing a surcharge on phone bills, the bill aims to ensure that vital support services are available to those in need, ultimately contributing to improved mental health outcomes in the community. Further developments will be monitored as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

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

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