This bill amends federal communications law to improve access to the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline across the country. The legislation requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish rules within one year ensuring that all calls and text messages to 9-8-8 are routed to the nearest crisis center based on the caller's location, while protecting their precise location information from being revealed. Mobile service providers must also transmit all 9-8-8 calls and texts, including from phones without active service, within one year of the FCC issuing final regulations. Additionally, the bill requires multi-line telephone systems in businesses and organizations to allow direct dialing to 9-8-8 starting two years after the law takes effect, with an exception for older systems that cannot be upgraded without replacing hardware or software. This legislation affects cell phone providers, telecommunications companies, and organizations that operate phone systems, as well as anyone needing access to mental health crisis support.
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