State Legislators Pass Emergency and Mental Health Bills

Multiple bills on 911 and 988 received greenlights from lawmakers on Tuesday. South Dakota legislators adopted a conference committee report on a 911 bill (HB-1092). The House voted 50-10 and the Senate 29-4 for the final bill, which would increase South Dakota’s 911 fee on monthly phone bills to $2, from $1.25 (see 2402290070. The conference committee version requires public safety answering points to file an annual report. The bill next needs a signature from Gov. Kristi Noem (R). Elsewhere, the Kentucky House voted 94-0 to pass HB-528 on how 911 revenue should be spent through July 1, 2025. It will go to the Senate. Also, the Hawaii House unanimously passed HB-2339 to remove the term “enhanced” from state 911 law so that Hawaii can fund future 911 technologies. The similar SB-3028 awaits a Senate vote. In Washington, state lawmakers approved measures related to the 988 mental health hotline. The Senate voted 49-0 to concur with House amendments to SB-6308 to extend implementation timelines, including giving the state health department until Jan. 1, 2026, to develop the 988 technology platform currently due July 1 this year. Senators also voted unanimously to concur with the House on SB-6251, which includes a provision allowing behavioral health administrative service organizations to recommend 988 contact hub contractors within each regional service area. The bills will go next to Gov. Jay Inslee (D).