9–8–8 Connect Act

HR8122, titled the 9-8-8 Connect Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2026, by Rep. Raskin [D-MD-8] with one cosponsor. It was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. This marks the initial stage of the legislative process for the bill within the 119th Congress. The bill proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program for eligible crisis centers. These grants would fund follow-up services for individuals who have received suicide prevention and crisis intervention services. Additionally, the bill seeks to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to enhance the accessibility of the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline. The bill text does not specify an explicit funding amount; rather, it authorizes the Secretary to award grants, meaning actual funding would depend on subsequent appropriations. Structural beneficiaries of this legislation, should it advance, would primarily be organizations operating crisis centers that are members of the national 9-8-8 network. These entities would be eligible to apply for grants to expand their follow-up service capabilities. Telecommunications companies could also be indirectly affected by provisions aimed at improving 9-8-8 accessibility, though the specific mechanisms are not detailed in the provided text. There are no specific publicly traded companies named as direct beneficiaries in the bill text. As the bill is in its early stages, there is no immediate market impact. To become law, HR8122 must pass through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, be voted on by the full House, then pass through the Senate (potentially through a similar committee process), and finally be signed by the President. Given its recent introduction, the bill has a significant legislative path ahead.