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Senator Lewis proposes 988 surcharge to sustain Missouri crisis services
Summary
Senator Lewis introduced a bill to create telecommunication surcharges to fund Missouri’s 988 crisis continuum, citing large increases in call/text volume and noting current DMH general‑revenue support of roughly $51 million is not guaranteed long term.
Senator Lewis used floor time to explain Senate bill 15 62, which would establish a mechanism to collect surcharges to fund 988 crisis services and the wider crisis continuum in Missouri.
Lewis said Missouri launched 988 in 2022 and that since then demand has grown substantially: she cited a 114% increase in 988 calls from July 2022 to June 2025 and a 46% rise in texts in 2025. She said the Department of Mental Health currently appropriates approximately $51,000,000 in general‑revenue funding for crisis services but that this level of support is not guaranteed. The proposed surcharge mechanism, Lewis said, would create ongoing, sustainable funding to maintain access and prevent longer wait times and higher‑cost downstream care.
Lewis acknowledged the bill was filed late and may not receive a hearing this session but said she and the Department of Mental Health are open to dialogue on funding mechanisms. No committee assignment or vote was recorded on the measure during this session.
