NJ Lawmakers Discuss Phone Surcharge to Support Mental Health Hotline

Senate committee backs 40¢ monthly fee to fund 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A New Jersey Senate committee has moved forward a proposal to establish a 40-cent monthly surcharge on phone bills to fund the state's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The hotline connects people in crisis with trained mental health professionals through calls, texts and an online chat. Supporters say the dedicated funding source is necessary as hotline usage has increased by almost 50% in two years, while critics argue the fee will add to the state's high cost of living.

Why it matters

The 988 hotline provides vital mental health support for residents in crisis, but sustainable funding is needed to ensure the service remains accessible statewide. This proposal aims to create a dedicated revenue stream, though some lawmakers are concerned about adding another monthly charge for consumers.

The details

Senate Bill 3013 would establish a statewide fee on residents' mobile and IP-enabled voice services, with the funds going towards supporting New Jersey's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The hotline connects people in crisis with trained mental health professionals through calls, texts and an online chat. Supporters say the dedicated funding source is necessary as hotline usage has increased by almost 50% in two years, while critics argue the 40-cent fee will add to the state's high cost of living.

  • The 988 hotline was first introduced in New Jersey in 2022 as part of a national effort to expand resident access to mental health services.
  • Hotline usage has increased by almost 50% in two years, said Sen. Angela McKnight (D - District 31).

The players

Senate Bill 3013

The bill that would establish a 40-cent monthly surcharge on phone bills to fund New Jersey's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Sen. Raj Mukerji (D - District 32)

A cosponsor of the bill who said "988 saves lives, saving people in crisis ... a place to turn before a moment of despair becomes irreversible."

Sen. Robert W. Singer (R - District 30)

A committee member who voted against the proposal, expressing concern about adding another charge to residents' monthly bills.

Sen. Angela McKnight (D - District 31)

Stated that hotline usage has increased by almost 50% in two years.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, 988 saves lives, saving people in crisis … a place to turn before a moment of despair becomes irreversible. I'm proud to be a cosponsor and I vote yes.”

— Sen. Raj Mukerji, (D - District 32)

“We talk about $61 million. It's not 40 cents, it's $61 million. I don't want to be like California and New York, where people are leaving the states because of the cost of living there.”

— Sen. Robert W. Singer, (R - District 30)

What’s next

The Senate committee moved the measure forward by a vote of 5-to-2. If the bill is signed into law, telecommunications companies would collect the fees and transfer the funds to the state.

The takeaway

This proposal aims to create a dedicated revenue stream to support New Jersey's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has seen a nearly 50% increase in usage over the past two years. While supporters say the funding is vital to ensure access to mental health crisis services, some lawmakers are concerned about adding another monthly charge for consumers in a high-cost state.