In July 2022, the 988 federally mandated crisis number became available. However, funding for 988 services was left largely up to the states, with the federal law authorizing states to impose a telecom fee. By July 2024, 10 states had
implemented such fees to support their 988 hotline services: California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. The fees are typically imposed and collected in a similar manner as 911 fees. According to Stateline, not everyone agrees that a telecom fee is the appropriate way to fund the 988 programs and some would prefer revenue come from line items in budget or appropriations legislation.
During the 2025 session, at least 12 states have considered legislation that would either modify the collection of an existing 988 fee or impose a new 988 fee, with one such bill being enacted in New Mexico.