H.B. No. 114 is a legislative act that transfers the administration of certain veteran mental health programs from the Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission. The bill amends various sections of the Government Code and Health and Safety Code, including the redesignation of specific sections and the establishment of new requirements for mental health programs aimed at veterans. Key provisions include the development of a comprehensive mental health program that encompasses peer-to-peer counseling, access to licensed mental health professionals, and initiatives specifically targeting women veterans and rural veterans. The bill also mandates the commission to submit an annual report detailing the services provided and recommendations for improvements.

Additionally, the bill introduces a matching grant program to support community mental health programs for veterans and their families, requiring grant recipients to secure matching contributions from non-state sources. It establishes criteria for selecting grant recipients and outlines the conditions under which grants will be awarded based on the population of the counties served. Furthermore, a new subchapter is created to address veteran suicide prevention, requiring the commission to develop a comprehensive action plan aimed at increasing access to mental health services and raising awareness about veteran suicide prevention. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 434.352 (Government Code 434)
House Committee Report: Government Code 434.352 (Government Code 434)
Engrossed: Government Code 434.352 (Government Code 434)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 434.352 (Government Code 434)
Enrolled: Government Code 434.352 (Government Code 434)