HR 878: 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 praises the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the national three-digit number that connects people in distress with suicide prevention and mental health crisis resources, separate from the 911 emergency system. The resolution notes that calls, texts, and chats to 988 from within Georgia are answered by the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at all hours, every day of the year. It states that this service helps reduce strain on emergency rooms and law enforcement and encourages people in crisis to seek help. The resolution formally commends the lifeline for its service and directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies 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 people in crisis.
• States that the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) answers all 988 calls, texts, and chats made within Georgia 24 hours a day, every day.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute or allocate any state funding.

The resolution names the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Georgia Crisis and Access Line, which operates the service in Georgia. It also touches Georgians who use crisis mental health services, as well as emergency rooms and law enforcement agencies referenced as benefiting from reduced burden.

Because this is a commendation rather than binding legislation, it does not change any law, funding, or program. Its practical effect is public recognition of the 988 Lifeline and the Georgia Crisis and Access Line, potentially raising awareness of the crisis line's availability to Georgians in distress.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe 988 as a national three-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crises, distinct from 911's public safety role.
• It states that GCAL answers Georgia's 988 contacts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
• The resolved clause has the House commend the 988 Lifeline for its service and express wishes for its continued success.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

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-9)Primary sponsor
• Deborah Silcox (R, HD-53)
• Rob Clifton (R, HD-131)
• Inga Willis (D, HD-55)
• Johnny Chastain (R, HD-7)
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-89)

• mental health
• suicide prevention
• 988 crisis line
• public health