September 3, 2026
Mrs. Trahan (for herself, Mr. Bacon, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Smith of Washington, Ms. McClellan, and Ms. Barragán) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to new or existing crisis call centers serving regional or local areas, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the 9-8-8 Call Center Improvement Act
.
Sec. 2. Regional and local lifeline call center program
Part B of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 520E–4 (42 U.S.C. 290bb-36d) the following:
520E–5. Regional and local lifeline call center program
(a) In general
The Secretary shall award grants to new or existing crisis call centers serving regional or local areas to—
(1)
purchase or upgrade call center technology;
(2)
provide for training of call center staff;
(3)
improve call center operations; and
(4)
provide for hiring of call center staff.
(b) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $441,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, to remain available until expended.