House bill proposes federal funding for 9-8-8 mental health response
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Rep. Mike Kelly introduced the 9–8–8 Implementation Act of 2026 in the House of Representatives. The bill would direct the federal government to provide grants and technical assistance to help local communities expand the 9-8-8 crisis text and call line. This service connects people in crisis with mental health professionals rather than police officers.
Why it matters: This is a funding and implementation bill. It does not create a new national agency or mandate a specific local policy, but it provides the financial mechanism for local governments to build out 9-8-8 infrastructure. It matters for public safety and mental health access, but its impact depends on whether it passes and receives appropriations.
Who it affects
- Local 911 centers and emergency dispatchers
This is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives; check the official text on Congress.gov for specific funding amounts and reporting requirements before relying on it.
Agency: House
Source: Congress.gov — read the official document