Bill > HB948

This bill creates the "Veterans Well-Being and Resource Outreach Act," which requires the Missouri Department of Mental Health to develop an initiative encouraging local veterans' organizations to establish wellness check programs for at-risk veterans. These programs will identify veterans who may be experiencing isolation, homelessness, or mental health challenges and invite them to participate in a voluntary program. The wellness checks will occur twice monthly and be conducted by a veteran or a trained professional who will communicate with the participant in real-time (either in-person, by phone, or electronically) to assess and address the veteran's medical, mental health, housing, and vocational needs. The program emphasizes using non-invasive methods for initial contact and requires the Department of Mental Health to create rules for implementing the initiative, with specific provisions ensuring that any implemented rules comply with state administrative rulemaking procedures. The goal of the bill is to proactively support veterans who might be struggling by providing regular, supportive check-ins and connecting them with necessary resources.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB948&year=2025&code=R