Z-0257.1
HOUSE BILL 1581
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Macri, Gregerson, Ormsby, Scott, Pollet, Salahuddin, Reed, and Kloba; by request of Office of Financial Management
Read first time 01/24/25. Referred to Committee on Finance.
AN ACT Relating to increasing the statewide 988 behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention line tax; amending RCW 82.86.020 ; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the state has made significant progress in establishing and implementing the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, creating greater access to crisis services for individuals and their families in need. The legislature further finds that an improved crisis response system reduces reliance on emergency room services and the use of law enforcement response to behavioral health crises and helps to stabilize individuals in the community whenever possible. To accomplish effective crisis response and suicide prevention, Washington state must continue its integrated approach to address mental health and substance use disorder and continue its progress toward implementing the 988 suicide and crisis lifelines and crisis systems in the country. The legislature finds it is critical to provide funding to enable greater access to crisis care services and supports.
Sec. 2. RCW 82.86.020 and 2021 c 302 s 202 are each amended to read as follows: