05/28/2026
This incredibly important piece of legislation passed the full Senate on Tuesday. We're appreciative of Senator Melissa Murray for all of her work to champion 988 and Rhode Island House of Representatives Mary Ann Shallcross Smith for her continued advocacy on the House side.
The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Senator Melissa Murray to codify the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline and BH Link programs in state law, and require the state to ensure that both programs are fully funded each year.
The legislation, which now goes to the House, is part of the Senate’s 17-bill package of healthcare legislation centered on supporting Rhode Islanders in crisis, protecting patients and providers and strengthening the state’s health workforce.
“Every day, people across Rhode Island wake up carrying invisible pain — anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, loneliness, hopelessness… veterans, teenagers, parents trying to hold everything together while silently falling apart. Too many are wondering if anyone would notice if they disappeared. That is why the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline and the acute mental health outreach provided by BH Link are so critical,” said Chairwoman Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield). “Codifying 988 and the BH Link into Rhode Island state law means ensuring that no matter how the political winds change, no matter what budget battles come and go, this critical safety net remains strong, permanent and accessible for every single Rhode Islander who needs it. Because somewhere tonight, and tomorrow night, and next month, and next year, someone will make the hardest call of their life. And whether they live may depend on whether we prioritize these life-saving programs today. This bill codifies saving lives into law, and makes sure that when people reach out for help, someone is always there to answer.”
Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376529
