Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 8177: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 988 CALL CENTER FUNDING AND OPERATIONS ACT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 8177 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on February 27, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- 988 CALL CENTER FUNDING AND OPERATIONS ACT. Primary sponsor: Nathan Biah (Democratic), Edith Ajello (Democratic), Matthew Dawson (Democratic), Mary Messier (Democratic), Deb Fellela (Democratic), Casimiro, Joseph Solomon (Democratic), Cherie Cruz (Democratic), Stephen Casey (Democratic), Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (May 14, 2026): 05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Establishes a fund and the operations necessary for a hotline for suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis management. Also instates a monthly surcharge on telephone lines to fund the 988 call center.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Biah | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 3 |
| Edith Ajello | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 1 |
| Matthew Dawson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 65 |
| Mary Messier | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 62 |
| Deb Fellela | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 43 |
| Casimiro | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Joseph Solomon | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 22 |
| Cherie Cruz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 58 |
| Stephen Casey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 50 |
| Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 46 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 05/08/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/14/2026)
- 02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance