HJR168 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Nathaniel LedbetterRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Anthony DanielsBrett EasterbrookCorley EllisTracy EstesAllen FarleyDavid FaulknerDanny GarrettJeremy GrayDexter GrimsleyLaura HallWes KitchensJoe LovvornParker MooreBecky NordgrenNeil RaffertyRex ReynoldsShane StringerAndy WhittRandy Wood

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Study Commission on the 9-8-8 Comprehensive Behavioral Health Crisis Communication System, created

Summary

Creates a Study Commission to examine and recommend how Alabama should implement the 9-8-8 crisis line system for behavioral health and suicide prevention.

What This Bill Does

Establishes a Study Commission on the 9-8-8 Comprehensive Behavioral Health Crisis Communication System to study implementation of 9-8-8 in Alabama before the national rollout. It directs the commission to consider 24/7 statewide coverage, technology to triage calls and link to follow-up care, funding to support call centers and services, and increasing call center capacity, while ensuring compliance with federal requirements and maintaining local crisis resources. The commission must report its findings and recommendations by January 11, 2022, after which it will be dissolved.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who experience behavioral health crises or suicidal thoughts, who would receive more accessible and coordinated 9-8-8 crisis services statewide.
• State government and agencies involved in mental health and emergency services (e.g., ADMH, ADPH, Veterans Affairs, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Governor’s office) as they plan, fund, and oversee the system.
• Local crisis service providers and call centers (e.g., The Crisis Center, Crisis Services of North Alabama, Family Counseling Center of Mobile) that would implement improvements in capacity, funding, and referrals.
• Behavioral health and suicide prevention organizations (e.g., NAMI Alabama, Alabama Council for Behavioral Healthcare, Behavioral Healthcare Alliance of Alabama, AFSP Alabama) that participate in the commission and help shape standards and practices.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Study Commission on the 9-8-8 Comprehensive Behavioral Health Crisis Communication System.
• The commission’s purpose is to study and recommend how to implement 9-8-8 in Alabama ahead of the national rollout on July 16, 2022.
• Commission topics include: 24/7 statewide 9-8-8 coverage; technology to triage calls and link to follow-up care; funding for call centers and crisis services; increasing call center capacity; compliance with National Suicide Prevention Lifeline requirements and FCC guidelines; maintaining local resource/referral listings; follow-up services; and compliance with the 2020 Act to ensure statewide access.
• Commission composition includes the ADMH Commissioner (chair), the State Health Officer (co-chair), legislators, and representatives from multiple state agencies and behavioral health organizations, with a diversity requirement for appointments.
• Members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for expenses; quorum is a majority of members; initial meeting by June 1, 2021, with appointments reported by May 15, 2021.
• ADMH staff support may be provided for research/writing; the commission must report findings and recommendations to the Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House by January 11, 2022 and will be dissolved after the report.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative