The bill establishes Chapter 58 of Title 22 in the Code of Alabama 1975, which requires the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) to collaborate with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) to develop a comprehensive plan addressing the behavioral health needs of Alabama veterans. This plan will focus on improving mental health care, substance use treatment, and overall support for veterans, and will be guided by a newly formed Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee. This committee will include stakeholders such as commissioners from ADMH and ADVA, representatives from veterans service organizations, and other relevant officials, with a deadline for the plan's completion set for January 1, 2025. The bill also allows ADMH to initiate pilot projects utilizing evidence-based services to address veterans' behavioral health needs, contingent upon funding appropriations.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that all initiatives comply with ADMH standards, including data reporting and certification requirements, and grants ADMH the authority to recover funds from recipients who fail to meet these standards. ADMH is also required to provide regular updates to a designated committee on the implementation of the comprehensive plan and conduct an annual review that may lead to recommendations for the Governor's approval. Key provisions include an annual report from ADMH on the number of veterans served, services provided, and funding utilized for pilot projects. The bill clarifies that it does not diminish the existing powers of ADMH and is set to take effect on June 1, 2024.