The bill amends Title 51 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish a new subchapter focused on treatment for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It introduces a pilot program that will award grants to eligible entities, which include nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare providers with expertise in neurorehabilitative therapies. The program aims to develop, implement, and evaluate treatment strategies to improve mental health outcomes for veterans, reduce suicidality, and mitigate the long-term effects of these conditions. Each selected entity will receive an annual grant of $150,000 for the duration of the pilot program, which will last for three years.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Military Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Health, will post information about the pilot program on its website and requires eligible entities to submit applications detailing their qualifications and proposed activities. An annual report will be submitted to the relevant legislative committees, summarizing the grant awards and evaluating the effectiveness of the funded projects. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1752 (May 28, 2026): 51-17