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9–8–8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act

3/5/2025, 10:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 912

Bill 119 hr 912, also known as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act, aims to amend title V of the Public Health Service Act in order to protect the suicide prevention lifeline from cybersecurity threats. The bill seeks to ensure that the lifeline, which provides crucial support and resources to individuals in crisis, remains secure and accessible to those in need.

The legislation addresses the growing concern of cybersecurity incidents that could potentially compromise the lifeline's ability to function effectively. By implementing measures to safeguard against these threats, the bill aims to maintain the lifeline's reliability and availability for individuals seeking help during times of crisis.

In addition to cybersecurity protections, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to improving the suicide prevention lifeline. These may include updates to technology, resources, and training for lifeline staff to better serve individuals in need of support. Overall, Bill 119 hr 912 is focused on enhancing the security and effectiveness of the suicide prevention lifeline to ensure that it remains a vital resource for individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Congressional Summary of HR 912

9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act

This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to undertake efforts to protect the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from cybersecurity threats. (The lifeline is a three-digit number that connects callers in suicidal crisis or mental health distress to a national network of crisis centers.)

The bill also establishes related reporting requirements. Specifically, the network administrator for the lifeline must report identified cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities to SAMHSA, and local and regional crisis centers that participate in the lifeline must report identified cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities to the network administrator.

Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must conduct a study that evaluates cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities associated with the lifeline and report the findings to Congress.

Current Status of Bill HR 912

Bill HR 912 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 4, 2025. Bill HR 912 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 4, 2025.  Bill HR 912's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. as of February 4, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 912

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 912

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 912

To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to secure the suicide prevention lifeline from cybersecurity incidents, and for other purposes.
To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to secure the suicide prevention lifeline from cybersecurity incidents, and for other purposes.

Comments

Maxwell Wade profile image

Maxwell Wade

1,046

1 year ago

This bill is gonna mess things up for me. Can't believe they're pushing this through. #disappointed