WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Erin Houchin (IN-09), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) to introduce the Campus Lifeline Act of 2026. This bipartisan bill would mandate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be printed on new driver’s licenses and student ID cards to help connect teens and young adults with mental health resources. It would also expand Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants to include peer-to-peer early intervention activities by student groups.

“Young adults are facing a growing mental health crisis, but too many still don’t know where to turn for help,” said Congressman 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."

“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.”

"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, it’s necessary. The best policies and laws are shaped by those with firsthand experience who understand both the challenges and the solutions. 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,” said Anika Rahman, Director of Policy, Active Minds.

The Campus Lifeline Act of 2026 would:

• Clarify existing statute to allow the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be printed on new drivers’ licenses and student campus IDs.
• Expand existing Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants' allowable use to include early intervention activities by student groups and prioritize this use in future grantmaking.
• Clarify existing application requirements on stakeholder input and outreach strategies to include meaningful student involvement.

Read the full bill here.

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