Core Behavioral Health Crisis Services System.
The legislation stipulates that the state will charge a fee to subscribers of commercial mobile or IP-enabled voice services, establishing the 988 Fund. This fund will be utilized for maintaining the hotline, coordinating services, and funding mobile crisis teams. Local jurisdictions will be mandated to collaborate with the state to create Mobile Crisis Teams, which will provide onsite response services. This requirement introduces a new layer to existing mental health support services and ensures a more structured approach to addressing crises by leveraging local resources effectively.
Assembly Bill 270, introduced by Assembly Member Ramos, aims to establish the Core Behavioral Health Crisis Services System in California. This system is established under the premise of improving access to mental health crisis services through a new hotline utilizing the digits 988, which is aligned with federal law governing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The initiative is focused on creating a state-supported system that enhances the response to individuals in behavioral health crises around the clock, prioritizing immediate assistance for both the individuals in crisis and their support systems.
This bill does present points of contention, particularly around the financial implications it incurs for residents. The 988 fee is positioned as a tax that will require a two-thirds vote in the Legislature for approval, raising concerns about the potential burden on taxpayers. Moreover, the state mandates reimbursement for local agencies, which could create tension between state funding availability and local service expectations. As the legislation proposes significant changes to behavioral health response structures, its impact on local control and funding methodologies is a significant area for debate among stakeholders.