The Legislation
Assembly Bill 988 (Bauer-Kahan) – Miles Hall Lifeline Act.
Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan introduced AB 988 to establish the “9-8-8” emergency response system for Californians experiencing a mental health crisis.
Why We Need It
1 in 4 people shot and killed by law enforcement between 2015-2020 had a mental health condition (source: U.S. Department of Justice).
The current mental health crisis response system relies on law enforcement and puts people suffering from mental illness through an expensive and traumatizing revolving-door as they shuttle between jails, emergency rooms, and the street. A comprehensive crisis response system can prevent these tragedies, save money, and increase access to appropriate care.
988 will connect callers with around-the-clock intervention, including mobile crisis support teams staffed by mental health professionals and trained peers. Mental health crisis services and alternatives to calling 911 can be an effective alternative to a law enforcement response, provide an opportunity to effectively co-respond with mental health-law enforcement teams, and divert people with mental illness away from criminal justice system involvement.
30-Second Survey: Crisis Response
Have you had to access emergency response/crisis services to get help for yourself or a loved one? How was the response? What would have improved the experience? Share your answers with our 30-second survey on crisis response.