988 Lifeline Support and Sustainability Establishment Amendment Act of 2025

This bill creates a permanent funding source for Washington, D.C.'s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related behavioral health services by imposing a modest monthly fee on telecommunications services (landlines, wireless, prepaid, VoIP). The fee structure mirrors the existing E911 charge, generating an estimated $12.5 million annually from D.C.'s 16.3 million telecom lines. Revenue will fund three key crisis response components: the 24/7 988 hotline, mobile crisis teams (CRT and ChAMPS), and crisis stabilization facilities. The legislation replaces temporary federal grants with a dedicated "988 Fund" within the Department of Behavioral Health, ensuring sustainable operations and reducing reliance on volatile budget allocations.