Relating to the provision of behavioral health crisis services, including measures to fund and support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and related services.

Contracts

• Telecommunications Providers: No changes required. Do not amend vendor agreements or subscriber terms of service to include a 988 fee.
• Crisis Centers & LMHAs: Existing contracts with the State or Local Mental Health Authorities will likely require amendment to recognize the "988 Trust Fund" as a new reimbursement source. Legal counsel should review these amendments to ensure reporting obligations match current clinical capabilities.

Hiring/Training

• Crisis Centers: Operations teams should prepare for potential volume increases. While the fee is delayed, the Trust Fund can receive legislative appropriations and federal grants immediately. If funding flows, staffing for 988 call centers must align with SAMHSA clinical standards.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Telecommunications Providers: While no tax remittance is required, you must prepare for regulatory data requests. The HHSC study requires an analysis of revenue potential. Providers should have accurate, segmented counts of consumer, business, and prepaid lines ready for submission to the agency to ensure the future fee model is based on accurate data.

Fees & Costs

• Immediate Impact: $0.00. The $0.10 fee referenced in earlier legislative drafts was struck.
• Future Impact: A fee is likely to be codified in the 2027 legislative session based on the study's outcome.