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yesterday

Baldwin, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Restore LGBTQ+ Youth 988 Lifeline Option

The proposal directs HHS to re-establish dedicated 988 support for LGBTQ+ youth after the administration ended the specialized “Press 3” service in July.

Senator Tammy Baldwin, pictured, penned the legislation alongside Republican Lisa Murkowski. (Getty)
US Representative Shanice Davids (D-KS), alongside other congress members, speaks about the shutdown of the 988 LGBTQ+ suicide crisis hotline during a press conference at the Capitol in Washington DC on July 17, 2025.
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Overview

  • Filed on September 17, the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act would require the HHS secretary to fund and maintain specialized crisis services for LGBTQ+ young people.
  • Companion House legislation is set to be introduced by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Sharice Davids, Seth Moulton, Mike Lawler, and Brian Fitzpatrick.
  • The Trump administration removed federal funding for the LGBTQ+ option on July 17 while keeping overall 988 funding at $520 million, citing objections to program content.
  • The LGBTQ+ subnetwork handled roughly 1.5 to 1.6 million contacts since its 2022 launch as demand increased each year, according to SAMHSA.
  • Major suicide-prevention and LGBTQ+ groups, including The Trevor Project, AFSP, NAMI, GLSEN, and HRC, back the bill, noting LGBTQ+ youth face far higher suicide risk than their peers.