Phillips-Hill Bill Creating Mental Health License Plate Passes Senate

HARRISBURG - The state Senate approved legislation to create a specialty license plate supporting mental health resources, according to the bill's sponsor, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York).

"When Matt Dorgan shared with me the heartbreaking loss of his daughter, Brianna, and his ongoing effort to raise awareness and funding for better mental health support in Pennsylvania, we were able to find a way to honor her life and address an issue that touches so many families across our commonwealth," Phillips-Hill said.

Matt Dorgan lost his daughter, Brianna, to suicide in 2020 when she was just 15 years old. In her memory, he founded Building Bridges for Brianna, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting suicide awareness and prevention, supporting individuals struggling with mental health challenges, and providing resources for families coping with loss.

"We're committed to building the bridge for mental health and breaking the stigma that keeps people from seeking help," Dorgan said. "This simple license plate does both. It sends a powerful message that mental health matters and directly supports the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, helping fund critical, life-saving services."

Under Senate Bill 955, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will establish a new specialty license plate. Fifteen dollars from each plate will be deposited into the Mental Health Restricted Account, helping to fund Pennsylvania's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

"This license plate will be a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there can be light," Phillips-Hill added. "It carries Brianna's story forward, while helping thousands of others find hope and healing."

Individuals experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or simply in need of someone to talk to can call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.