Government Code § 53123.2

(a)No later than July 16, 2022, the Office of Emergency Services shall verify that technology that allows for transfers between 988 centers, as well as between 988 centers and 911 public safety answering points, is available to 988 centers and 911 public safety answering points throughout California.

(b)No later than 90 days after the passage of this act, the office shall do both of the following:

(1)Appoint a 988 system director to implement and oversee the policy and regulatory framework for the technology infrastructure, coordination, and transfer of calls between 988, 911, and behavioral health crisis services.

(2)(A) Establish and convene the State

988 Technical Advisory Board for purposes of advising the office on the following:

(i)Recommendations on the feasibility and plan for sustainable interoperability between 988, 911, and behavioral health crisis services, including the identification of any legal or regulatory barriers to the transfer of 911 calls.

(ii) The development of technical and operational standards for the

988 system that allow for

coordination with California’s 911 system.

(iii) The creation of standards and protocols for when 988 centers will transfer

988 calls into the “911” public safety answering points or points (PSAP), and vice versa.

(B) The board shall meet no less than quarterly until December 31, 2028. Following that date, the board may be disbanded at the discretion of the office.

(C) The board shall consist of a representative from the California Health and Human Services Agency and expert representatives, including, but not limited to, those from 988 centers, 911, and behavioral health crisis service providers.

(c)No later than July 1, 2024, the

office shall

verify interoperability between and across 911 and 988. This shall include verifying interoperability of telephone calls, texts, chats, and other similar capabilities consistent with the implementation of Next Generation 911.

(d)The office shall consult

with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on any technology requirements for 988 centers.