9–8–8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act
9–8–8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act
Plain Language Summary
# 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would establish cybersecurity requirements for the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a federal mental health crisis service that launched in 2022. If passed, it would require the lifeline to implement security measures to protect personal information collected from callers, and would mandate government oversight to ensure these protections are adequate. The bill would also likely require studies or reports on the system's current security practices. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects the 9-8-8 Lifeline service, the mental health organizations that operate it, and the millions of Americans who call seeking crisis support.
By establishing cybersecurity standards, the bill aims to protect sensitive personal and health information shared during calls. The legislation reflects growing Congressional concern about data security across government services, particularly those handling sensitive mental health information. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee review, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. As a newly introduced bill in the 119th Congress, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.