HB197 Engrossed is a bill that introduces a new chapter to Title 22 of the Alabama Code, focusing on the behavioral health needs of Alabama veterans. The bill mandates the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) to work with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) to develop a comprehensive plan to address these needs. It defines relevant terms and establishes the Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee, which is responsible for creating the comprehensive plan. The plan must review the current state of veterans' mental health, identify service gaps, and propose pilot projects. The comprehensive plan is to be presented to the relevant Alabama House and Senate committees by April 1, 2025, and submitted to the Governor by June 30, 2025. Upon approval and subject to appropriations, ADMH will implement the plan with ADVA's input.

The bill also sets forth the conditions for the implementation of the comprehensive plan, including the requirement for new funds appropriated by the Legislature and the prohibition against diverting existing resources. ADMH is responsible for ensuring compliance with data reporting and certification standards, and has the authority to recover funds from non-compliant recipients. The department must provide annual updates on the plan's progress, conduct reviews, and make recommendations. Additionally, ADMH is required to report annually on the veterans served, services provided, and funds used. The act does not affect ADMH's existing powers and is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2024. The bill was unanimously passed in the House of Representatives on April 30, 2024.