This bill aims to enhance suicide prevention efforts for active and former members of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, and their reserve components by amending section 394.463 of the Florida Statutes. It introduces a new requirement for facilities conducting involuntary examinations under the Baker Act to report whether the individual examined is a military member or veteran. This addition is intended to improve data collection and oversight regarding the mental health treatment of these individuals, as current reporting does not capture their military status.

The bill highlights the alarming suicide rates among veterans compared to nonveterans and emphasizes the need for accurate reporting to inform better policymaking and prevention strategies. The new legal language mandates that facilities include military status in their reports to the Baker Act Reporting Center, thereby supporting improved mental health outcomes for this population. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.