Bill > HB2320

This bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services to provide grants to nonprofit organizations for comprehensive mental and behavioral health services for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The grants will support evidence-based, trauma-informed clinical care, including services such as physical fitness training, mindful movement classes, nutritional guidance, peer outreach, and programming specifically for Native American veterans. The services are targeted at addressing a range of mental health challenges including post-traumatic stress injuries, traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and suicidal ideation. Nonprofit organizations must partner with qualified hospital systems and state universities to deliver these services, and the appropriation is exempt from standard state regulations about lapsing funds, meaning the money can be used beyond the typical fiscal year constraints. The bill emphasizes a holistic approach to veterans' mental health, covering veterans from all service eras and with all types of discharge statuses.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82091