September 17, 2025
Mr. Krishnamoorthi (for himself, Mr. Lawler, Ms. Davids of Kansas, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Mr. Moulton) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to dedicate sufficient resources for the support of LGBTQ+ youth seeking help from the 9–8–8 suicide prevention hotline, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025
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Sec. 2. Findings
Congress finds that—
(1)
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45 percent of high school students who seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021 identified as LGBTQ+;
(2)
since its launch, Specialized Services for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline have received over 1,500,000 calls, texts, and chats, with an average of 2,200 contacts per day as of May 2025; and
(3)
given that LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide as compared to their peers, Specialized Services for LGBTQ+ youth are equipped with crucial training addressing LGBTQ+ specific challenges and needs.
Sec. 3. Suicide prevention hotline services for LGBTQ+ youth
(a) In general
Section 520E–3(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb–36c(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (4), by striking and
at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(6)
dedicating sufficient resources, including establishing, re-establishing, operating, and maintaining specialized services (known as the Press 3 option or Integrated Voice Response (IVR)), for the support of youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) seeking help from the suicide prevention hotline.
(b) Funding
Section 520E–3(f) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb–36c(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following: Of the amounts appropriated under this subsection for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve not less than 9 percent for carrying out subsection (b)(6).
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