WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) cosponsored the Create Accountability and Liability Against Lifeline Attacks (CALL) Act of 2022, legislation to prohibit attempts to disrupt or obstruct the 988 and veterans crisis lifelines.

“The 988 lifeline saved an estimated 150,000 lives during its debut month, and any attempts to derail the unprecedented success of this service will not stand,” said Rep. Owens. “I am proud to support the CALL Act, bipartisan legislation to take swift action against criminals who obstruct both the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line, and ensure mental health resources are accessible to every American.”

Since it was launched in July, the 988 lifeline has seen a 45% increase in call and messaging volume. Response times have kept pace with the higher call volumes. As part of a continued effort to improve the effectiveness of 988, the CALL Act would make it illegal to intentionally obstruct the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line.

The full text of the legislation is available here. 

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