HR878: HR878 The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the national three-digit number that connects people to suicide prevention and mental health crisis support, as distinct from 911's public safety role. The resolution notes that calls, texts, and chats to 988 in Georgia are answered around the clock by the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL). It states the service can reduce strain on emergency rooms and law enforcement and help more people get timely mental health care. The resolution commends the Lifeline for its service and directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally commends the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives for its service to citizens in crisis.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not create any new program, funding, requirement, or change to Georgia law; it is a statement of praise only.

The resolution directly names the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL), which answers Georgia's 988 calls, texts, and chats. It also touches Georgians who use mental health crisis services, emergency rooms, and law enforcement agencies referenced in the text.

Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it does not change funding, staffing, or rules for the 988 Lifeline or GCAL. Its practical effect is symbolic recognition, formally acknowledging a service that Georgians already rely on for mental health crisis support.

• The preamble (whereas clauses) describes 988 as a national three-digit line for suicide prevention and mental health crises, separate from 911's public safety function.
• States that GCAL answers all Georgia 988 calls, texts, and chats 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.
• The resolved clause commends the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for its service and wishes it continued success.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for public and press distribution.

1. 2025-03-31House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-31House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-31House Hopper (House)

• Will Wade (R, HD-009)Primary sponsor
• Deborah Silcox (R, HD-053)
• Rob Clifton (R, HD-131)
• Inga Willis (D, HD-055)
• Johnny Chastain (R, HD-007)
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)

• mental health
• suicide prevention
• 988 crisis line
• behavioral health
• legislative resolution