WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) introduced the Campus Lifeline Act of 2026 alongside Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Mark Pocan (D-WI). This bipartisan legislation aims to expand awareness and access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for students and young adults.
The Campus Lifeline Act clarifies that the 988 Lifeline can be printed on driver’s licenses and student identification cards, helping ensure young people have immediate access to critical resources. The bill also strengthens campus mental health efforts by allowing Garrett Lee Smith grants to support student-led early intervention and outreach.
In 2023, 40 percent of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly one in ten attempted suicide, yet awareness of the 988 Lifeline remains low among young adults. Indiana has led on this issue by requiring 988 on student IDs, and the Campus Lifeline Act builds on those efforts by expanding access nationwide.
“We have a responsibility to make sure young people know where to turn in a moment of crisis,” said Rep. Houchin. “During Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m proud to introduce the Campus Lifeline Act to expand access to the 988 Lifeline and strengthen support on campuses. This bill promotes early intervention, student engagement, and life-saving mental health resources. It’s our goal to make sure every young person knows help is available.”
“Every young person deserves access to compassionate, lifesaving mental health care when they need it most,” said Rep. Trahan. “I was proud to lead the Garrett Lee Smith Reauthorization Act to strengthen and expand suicide prevention programs for young people, and this bipartisan legislation builds on that work by increasing awareness of and access to these vital services. By leveraging the reach of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we can connect more teens and young adults with the support they need, ensure they know help is available, and reach more young people before a crisis becomes a tragedy.”
“Young adults are facing a growing mental health crisis, but too many still don’t know where to turn for help,” said Rep. Valadao. “While California law requires the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be printed on student ID cards, access to this lifesaving resource shouldn’t depend on your zip code. By expanding existing Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants and ensuring 988 is added to new IDs nationwide, we can raise awareness for mental health care, connect more people to support, and help prevent tragedies before they happen.”
“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has saved lives. There’s no question about it,” said Rep. Pocan. “The more awareness we can raise about 988, especially among our young people, the better. I’m glad to help lead this effort with Reps. Houchin, Trahan, and Valadao.”
“Youth-informed policy is not only powerful, but it’s necessary. The best policies and laws are shaped by those with firsthand experience who understand both the challenges and the solutions,” said Ankia Rahman, Director of Policy at Active Minds. “We are grateful to Representatives Houchin (R-IN), Trahan (D-MA), Valadao (R-CA), and Pocan (D-WI) for recognizing the importance of youth-led solutions and for their bipartisan leadership on the Campus Lifeline Act. What began as a youth-led initiative to place 988 on the back of student ID cards on campuses has now grown into the introduction of federal legislation with the potential to create nationwide change. Awareness and education around mental health resources are vital, and when young people lead, they help create solutions that are practical and accessible.”
This bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which Rep. Houchin serves.
Read the bill text here.
