The legislative vehicle to implement a statewide 9-8-8 behavioral
health crisis line,
AB 988 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, may be dead,
but Governor Newsom is keeping California on track to meet the
July 2022 federal deadline for implementation by earmarking $20
million for the project.
With an anticipated 300 percent increase in calls expected next
summer with the debut of 9-8-8, the $20 million state investment
will filter to existing suicide crisis lines for workforce
investments, training, and capacity expansion.
The sponsors of AB 988, including The Steinberg Institute, The
Kennedy Forum, California Council of Community Behavioral Health
Agencies, Contra Costa County, Mental Health America of
California, the Miles Hall Foundation, and the National Alliance
on Mental Illness of California, have vowed to work with
stakeholders to craft another implementation bill for
introduction in January.
CSAC, along with the County Behavioral Health Directors
Association of California, raised significant concerns with
AB 988 throughout the legislative process this year, including
whether adequate and sustainable funding was attainable, how
capacity expansions will occur, and the role of Counties in the
behavioral health crisis continuum. Additional issues included
questions about sufficient rural access, interfacing with 911,
and liability issues.
CSAC and Counties strongly support the implementation of a robust
9-8-8 system in the state that builds upon County expertise
and investments in the local crisis continuum. Counties must play
a key role in the rollout of the crisis lines and any increase or
expansion of services associated with 9-8-8.
