AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE 9-8-8 SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LIFELINE AND THE 2-1-1 INFOLINE PROGRAM.

SB 213 would require a $0.25 monthly fee on residents' telecommunication and cellular service bills to fund two specific programs. The revenue would be split: 50% deposited into the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Fund, and 50% used to administer Connecticut's 2-1-1 Infoline program operated by United Way. This creates a dedicated, ongoing funding source for these crisis support services instead of relying on annual state appropriations. The bill directly affects all Connecticut residents who pay for landline or mobile phone service.