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 existing reporting requirements under the Baker Act. Specifically, it introduces a new requirement for facilities conducting involuntary examinations to report whether the individual examined is a military member or veteran. This addition is intended to provide critical data that can inform better policymaking and prevention strategies, ultimately leading to improved mental health outcomes for this population.

The bill adds a new subsection (6) to section 394.463 of the Florida Statutes, mandating that any facility conducting an involuntary examination must include in its report to the Baker Act Reporting Center the military status of the individual examined. This legislative change is motivated by the alarming suicide rates among veterans compared to nonveterans, highlighting the need for accurate data to ensure the appropriate application of the Baker Act. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.