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 veterans in Alabama. This plan will focus on enhancing mental health services, substance use treatment, and overall support for veterans, with the formation of a Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee comprising various stakeholders. The committee is responsible for assessing the current state of veterans' mental health and is tasked with delivering the comprehensive plan by January 1, 2025. The bill also allows ADMH to initiate pilot projects utilizing evidence-based services to address veterans' behavioral health needs, with funding awarded through a transparent request for proposal process.

Additionally, the bill mandates compliance with federal ethics laws and specifies that the implementation of the chapter is contingent upon new funds appropriated by the Legislature, ensuring that existing resources are not diverted. It requires ADMH to provide regular updates on the progress of the comprehensive plan and mandates an annual review by a designated committee. The bill includes provisions for data reporting and certification standards, as well as the recovery of funds if requirements are not met. Importantly, it states that nothing in this act shall supersede or diminish the existing powers of ADMH. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024, and does not include any deletions from current law, but introduces new provisions to enhance support for veterans' mental health in Alabama.