988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 19, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to ensure dedicated and stable funding for specialized mental health crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth through the national 988 hotline.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to dedicate sufficient resources for specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline. It also mandates that not less than 9 percent of the total funds appropriated for the 988 Lifeline each fiscal year be reserved specifically for these LGBTQ+ youth services.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill is a critical intervention to address the disproportionately high rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, as evidenced by CDC data. They contend that specialized, culturally competent services are essential for effective crisis intervention and that dedicated funding will ensure these life-saving resources are consistently available.
Opponents contend
While direct opposition to youth suicide prevention is rare, some critics might argue that mandating a fixed percentage earmark reduces the flexibility of the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate funds based on evolving needs across all populations served by the 988 Lifeline, potentially leading to inefficiencies or underfunding of other critical areas.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly and evaluate its intended impact.
Section 1
Short Title - '988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025'
This section establishes the official short name for the Act, allowing for easy reference and identification. It provides a concise title that reflects the bill's primary focus on enhancing access to the 988 hotline for LGBTQ+ youth.
Supporters argue
A clear and descriptive short title helps to communicate the bill's purpose effectively and facilitates public and legislative discourse.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the naming of a bill, as it is a standard legislative practice.
Tradeoffs
None.
Section 2
Congressional Findings on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Crisis
This section outlines key statistical data, including that 45 percent of high school students who seriously considered suicide in 2021 identified as LGBTQ+. It also highlights the significant volume of contacts to the 988 Specialized Services for LGBTQ+ youth and emphasizes the importance of their specialized training in addressing unique challenges faced by this demographic.
Section 3(a)
Mandate for Dedicated Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth Services on 988
This provision amends the Public Health Service Act to explicitly require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to dedicate sufficient resources for specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline. This includes establishing, re-establishing, operating, and maintaining specific options like the 'Press 3 option' or Integrated Voice Response (IVR) for this demographic.
Section 3(b)
Minimum Funding Reservation for LGBTQ+ Youth 988 Services
This section amends the Public Health Service Act to require that not less than 9 percent of the total amounts appropriated for the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline for any fiscal year must be reserved specifically for carrying out the dedicated LGBTQ+ youth services mandated in subsection (b)(6).