H.B. No. 4446 proposes the transfer of certain veterans' mental health initiatives from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission. The bill introduces a new grant program aimed at supporting community mental health services for veterans and their families, requiring grant recipients to secure matching funds from non-state sources. The Texas Veterans Commission will be responsible for administering these grants, ensuring that funds are used solely for mental health care services and coordinating with other support services. Additionally, the bill mandates the commission to submit an annual report detailing the number of veterans served and the effectiveness of the programs.

The legislation also establishes a comprehensive Veteran Suicide Prevention Action Plan, which will be developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, including veteran advocacy groups and medical providers. This plan aims to enhance access to mental health services, raise awareness about suicide prevention, and provide proactive outreach to veterans in need of care. The bill includes specific provisions for training peer service coordinators and emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships in delivering timely mental health services. Furthermore, it repeals certain existing provisions related to veterans' mental health programs, streamlining the administration under the Texas Veterans Commission.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 434.352 (Government Code 434)