Texas Legislature Online’s enrolled HB 5342 creates a trust fund outside the state treasury to support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and related services.
HB 5342 and behavioral health crisis services
According to Texas Legislature Online, HB 5342 is an enrolled bill relating to behavioral health crisis services. The bill includes measures to fund and support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and related services.
Texas Legislature Online states that the enrolled bill amends Chapter 547 of the Government Code by adding Subchapter K, concerning behavioral health crisis services. The measure includes a new Section 547.0551 addressing a 988 suicide and crisis lifeline trust fund.
New 988 trust fund
According to Texas Legislature Online, Section 547.0551 establishes the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline trust fund as a trust fund outside the state treasury. The commission administers the fund, while the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company holds and invests its assets.
Texas Legislature Online says the fund may receive gifts, grants and donations, including federal funds received by the state for the fund’s purposes. The fund also includes interest, dividends and other income.
Permitted uses of the money
Under the enrolled bill text published by Texas Legislature Online, money deposited in the trust fund may be used only to implement, maintain or improve the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Permitted spending includes personnel and technological infrastructure improvements needed to meet operational and clinical standards and best practices.
Texas Legislature Online also states that money from the fund may be used to pay the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company’s expenses for managing the fund’s assets. The bill sets an overall investment objective of maintaining enough liquidity to meet the trust fund’s needs.
What this means for Texas patients
According to Texas Legislature Online, HB 5342 addresses funding and support for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and related behavioral health crisis services. For people looking for treatment locally, the directory lists 443 published clinics in Texas and can help identify available options by area.
This is general information, not medical advice.
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This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.