National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1015
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2017-05-03 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Emergency communications systems
Government studies and investigations
Health promotion and preventive care
Mental health
Telephone and wireless communication
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2017-05-03
text: 

National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to coordinate with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and to consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs to examine: (1) the feasibility of designating a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system; and (2) the effectiveness of the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), including how well it addresses the needs of veterans.
 
 The FCC must submit to Congress a recommended dialing code, a cost-benefit analysis comparing the three-digit code to the current lifeline number, and cost estimates for service providers, states, and localities.

action_date: 2017-10-31
text: 

National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2017

 
(Sec. 3) This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to coordinate with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to examine: (1) the feasibility of designating a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system; and (2) the effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), including how well it addresses the needs of veterans.
 
SAMHSA must report to the FCC: (1) the potential impact of a designated dialing code on suicide prevention, crisis services, and other suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotlines; and (2) recommendations for improving the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 
 
The VA must report to the FCC about how well the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line are working to address the needs of veterans.
 
The FCC must report to Congress whether it recommends a dialing code, a cost-benefit analysis comparing the three-digit code to the current lifeline number, and cost estimates for service providers, states, and localities.

action_date: 2017-11-07
text: 

National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2017

 
(Sec. 3) This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to coordinate with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to examine: (1) the feasibility of designating a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system; and (2) the effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), including how well it addresses the needs of veterans.
 
SAMHSA must report to the FCC: (1) the potential impact of a designated dialing code on suicide prevention, crisis services, and other suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotlines; and (2) recommendations for improving the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 
 
The VA must report to the FCC about how well the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line are working to address the needs of veterans.
 
The FCC must report to Congress whether it recommends a dialing code, a cost-benefit analysis comparing the three-digit code to the current lifeline number, and cost estimates for service providers, states, and localities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-03-13
text: By Senator Thune from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 115-213.
action_date: 2018-03-13
text: By Senator Thune from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report. Report No. 115-213.
action_date: 2017-11-10
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2017-11-08
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7069; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S7069)
action_date: 2017-11-07
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7069; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S7069)
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 256.
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2017-10-31
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2017-10-04
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2017-05-03
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2723-2724)
action_date: 2017-05-03
text: Introduced in Senate