Relating to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; to require the Department of Mental Health to develop, administer, and adopt rules relating to Alabama's Crisis System of Care; to create the Alabama 988 Crisis Care Fund; to provide for the collection and use of a statewide surcharge on certain communication service connections; to create the 988 Commission to provide oversight to the fund; and to protect certain communication service providers from certain liability.
Impact
The implementation of SB328 will create the Alabama 988 Crisis Care Fund, financed by a new statewide surcharge on certain communication services. This fund will be utilized to support crisis-related services, ensuring resources such as personnel, behavioral health expertise, and crisis intervention are readily available. Additionally, the bill establishes the 988 Commission to provide oversight for the fund and the effectiveness of the crisis response system, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency in the allocation of resources for mental health services.
Summary
Senate Bill 328, known as the 988 Crisis System of Care Act, aims to enhance mental health services in Alabama by establishing a crisis response framework centered around the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The bill mandates the Department of Mental Health to develop, coordinate, and manage a comprehensive Crisis System of Care that includes 988 Crisis Call Centers, mobile crisis services, and crisis stabilization centers. This initiative aims to ensure that all residents experiencing behavioral health crises have equitable access to necessary crisis services throughout the state.
Contention
While the bill addresses critical needs in mental health and crisis intervention, it may face challenges related to the new surcharge on communication services. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the financial burden on users of these services, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. Moreover, the bill's reliance on call centers and mobile crisis services raises questions about the adequacy of funding and resources to meet the anticipated demand for these services. This bill seeks to standardize and bolster the existing mental health crisis response in the state, but its success will depend on effective implementation and public buy-in.
Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, continued pursuant to Sunset Law until October 1, 2026; Department of Mental Health required to provide certain services and personnel for operation of board
Spouses and Dependents of Law Enforcement Officers Tuition Scholarship Fund created, Alabama Commission on Higher Education required to administer and adopt rules
Alabama Justice Information Commission; collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers by certain entities provided for; Alabama Background Check Service established, types, uses, and fees for certain background checks for noncriminal justice purposes authorized; Alabama Rap Back Program established, penalties provided for; existing law relating to release of criminal history information repealed
Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Department of Workforce; created as centralized entity for providing leadership, support, and oversight to certain boards.
Department of Corrections; Deputy Commissioner for Prison Rehabilitation renamed; number of Deputy Commissioners further provided for; additional exempt and unclassified employees created; additional Joint Prison Oversight Committee duties created
Relating to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; to require the Department of Mental Health to develop, administer, and adopt rules relating to Alabama's Crisis System of Care; to create the Alabama 988 Crisis Care Fund; to provide for the collection and use of a statewide surcharge on certain communication service connections; to create the 988 Commission to provide oversight to the fund; and to protect certain communication service providers from certain liability.
Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.
Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.