Senate Bill 639 aims to enhance mental health services for veterans in Wisconsin by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to promote access to community-based and emergency crisis mental health services. The bill also authorizes the DVA to provide grants to organizations that support these services for veterans. Additionally, it allows the DVA to promulgate emergency rules to effectively administer the new requirements without the usual necessity of demonstrating an emergency situation.

The bill creates two new sections in the statutes: 20.485 (2) (qw), which outlines the biennial funding for veterans' mental health services, and 45.49, which details the DVA's responsibilities in promoting access to mental health services and providing grants. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to improving mental health support for veterans, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance available to them.