The proposed bill establishes Chapter 58 of Title 22 in the Code of Alabama 1975, which requires the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) to work in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the behavioral health needs of Alabama veterans. This plan will focus on enhancing 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 various stakeholders, such as commissioners from ADMH and ADVA, representatives from veterans service organizations, and other relevant officials. The comprehensive plan is expected to be completed by January 1, 2025, and must be presented to the Veterans and Military Affairs Committees of both the Alabama House and Senate by April 1, 2025, with final submission to the Governor by June 30, 2025.

Additionally, the bill allows ADMH to initiate pilot projects that utilize evidence-based services to address veterans' behavioral health needs, ensuring compliance with federal ethics laws and requiring new funds appropriated by the Legislature for implementation. The bill mandates that all pilot projects adhere to data reporting and certification standards set by ADMH, with the potential for fund recovery if these requirements are not met. Furthermore, it emphasizes the alignment of recommendations with state and national behavioral health standards and requires annual reporting on the number of veterans served and funding expended. Importantly, the bill does not include any deletions from current law but introduces new legal language to establish this initiative, and it is set to take effect on June 1, 2024.