Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
HB5342 establishes the "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Trust Fund" effective immediately, creating a dedicated financial vehicle for crisis services. Crucially for telecommunications members: The proposed mandatory monthly service fee was removed from the final text. Instead of an immediate surcharge, the law mandates a feasibility study to determine future funding mechanisms, delaying any billing system impacts until at least 2027.
Rep. Brooks Landgraf·House Bill·Regular Session
Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) • Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-06-20). Review during normal business planning.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
The law mandates a study on a "telecommunication service fee" but leaves the mechanics undefined. This creates a regulatory risk period between now and December 2026.
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
Explore more bills from this author and on related topics
Common questions about HB5342
HB5342 establishes the "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Trust Fund" effective immediately, creating a dedicated financial vehicle for crisis services. Crucially for telecommunications members: The proposed mandatory monthly service fee was removed from the final text. Instead of an immediate surcharge, the law mandates a feasibility study to determine future funding mechanisms, delaying any billing system impacts until at least 2027.
HB5342 was authored by Texas Representative Brooks Landgraf during the Regular Session.
HB5342 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
HB5342 is enforced by Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company.
The regulatory priority for HB5342 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB5342 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB5342 addresses topics including fees & other nontax revenue, fees & other nontax revenue--state, mental health & substance abuse, state finances and state finances--management & control.
Key dates for HB5342: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Rulemaking: Submit findings to the legislature regarding the feasibility and efficacy of implementing a telecommunication service fee to fund the 988 Lifeline. (2026-12-01). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB5342 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
