The bill, S.B. No. 2926, proposes the transition of certain veterans' mental health initiatives from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission. It introduces a new grant program aimed at supporting community mental health programs that provide services and treatment to veterans and their families. The bill outlines specific requirements for grant recipients, including the necessity to secure matching funds from non-state sources, and establishes criteria for evaluating grant applications. Additionally, it mandates that the commission submit an annual report detailing the number of veterans served and the effectiveness of the mental health program.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing provisions to enhance the mental health program for veterans, including the development of initiatives focused on rural and women veterans, and the establishment of a comprehensive action plan to prevent veteran suicides. This action plan will involve collaboration with various stakeholders to improve access to mental health services and raise awareness about veteran suicide prevention. The bill also repeals certain outdated provisions and sets a deadline for the implementation of the action plan by September 1, 2027.

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