A Sacramento lawmaker is trying to bring back a three-second choice that advocates say can mean the difference between reaching a lifeline or hanging up in despair.
Assemblymember Mark González on Wednesday renewed his push to restore a specialized suicide and crisis hotline option for LGBTQ+ young people, urging state leaders to rebuild the "press 3" routing that was cut at the federal level. González appeared on FOX Local to talk through the proposal and reminded Californians that the California Youth Crisis Line is available at 800‑843‑5200.
González’s bill, AB 1540, would direct the state Office of Emergency Services to ask the federal 988 administrator to turn on a press‑3 function for calls originating in California and to allow a "PRIDE" text and chat routing to LGBTQ+‑specialized centers, among other requirements. According to the bill text on California Legislative Information, the measure also sets timelines for state agencies to identify and contract with qualified LGBTQ+ crisis providers.
In legislative materials backing AB 1540, González wrote, "We will not abandon our young people," casting the bill as a life‑saving response to federal cuts; he delivered the same message in an interview with FOX 11 Los Angeles. The author’s filing cites rising rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation among queer and trans youth as the reason he is pushing for quick action.
What Was Cut And Why Lawmakers Want It Back
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced in June 2025 that the 988 "Press 3" option would end on July 17, 2025, saying funds for the subnetwork had been fully spent, according to SAMHSA. Advocates and legislative filings say the specialized routing connected youth to counselors trained in LGBTQ+ issues; the bill text on California Legislative Information notes that roughly 1.5 million contacts have been routed to the LGBTQ+ subnetwork since 2022. Supporters argue that removing the shortcut pushed vulnerable callers farther from counselors who understand the specific harms and discrimination queer youth can face.
County Officials Push A Local Fix
Los Angeles County supervisors approved motions in December directing county departments to design a local pilot for a "press 3" option and to support state legislation like AB 1540, according to a county news release. Supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath have said the federal decision sent a damaging message to queer youth, and the initiative has drawn support from state lawmakers and community groups, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Federal Approval And Technical Hurdles
Even if California moves ahead, the plan depends on federal approval and technical changes to call, text and chat routing before a state‑specific press‑3 option could go live. Assembly hearing records show the measure still faces committee review and potential fiscal scrutiny, and SAMHSA has emphasized that callers to 988 will continue to have access to trained counselors while options are evaluated, according to CalMatters.
If You Or Someone You Know Needs Help
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For non‑emergency crisis support in California, people can call or text the California Youth Crisis Line at 800‑843‑5200, according to California Health & Human Services. LGBTQ+ young people can reach The Trevor Project at 1‑866‑488‑7386 or text START to 678678 for 24/7 support, per The Trevor Project.
