HR 3498 United States House · 118th Congress

HELP Act of 2023

The HELP Act of 2023 provides $550 million annually for 2024-2025 and $450 million for 2026-2030 to strengthen 211 (human services information and referral) and 988 (mental health crisis) services nationwide. It requires states to develop coordinated systems that ensure 24/7 accessibility, reduce non-emergency 911 calls, and connect individuals to appropriate human services and mental health resources. The bill mandates states to create comprehensive service databases, ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, and establish oversight councils with diverse representation to monitor racial equity and service effectiveness. States must also implement diversion programs to connect individuals with mental health responders instead of law enforcement for non-emergency situations. The legislation includes regular reporting requirements and biennial evaluations to measure how effectively the program connects people to needed services and reduces unnecessary law enforcement interactions.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2023

Committee Review

Floor Vote

President

Introduced May 18, 2023 Last action May 23, 2024

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Committee

May 23, 2024

Introduced

ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. McGarvey asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 3498, a bill originally introduced by Representative Higgins (NY), for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

lower

May 18, 2023

Committee

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

lower

May 18, 2023

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 34 co-sponsors