Wash. State House Supports Extending 988 Hotline Deadlines

The Washington state House voted 96-0 last week to pass an amended bill (SB-6308) to extend timelines for implementing the 988 mental health hotline. That would include providing the state health department until Jan. 1, 2026, to develop the technology platform, which is currently due July 1 this year. Also on Thursday, the House voted 68-28 to approve SB-5838, establishing an AI task force. The Senate passed both bills on Feb. 8 (see 2402090055) but now must concur with House changes.