Bill > HB1268

This bill establishes two separate task forces to address mental health challenges among military service members and first responders in Mississippi. The Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force will be composed of 15 members, including legislators, health officials, military personnel, mental health professionals, and university representatives, with the primary goal of assessing and addressing mental health needs of military veterans and National Guard members. The task force will study mental health challenges, review existing resources, identify service gaps, consult with researchers, develop recommendations for preventing suicide, reduce mental health stigma, and propose policy changes. The task force must submit a final report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature before January 1, 2026, after which it will be dissolved. Similarly, the Mississippi First Responder PTSD and Suicide Prevention Task Force, comprising 21 members from various state agencies, professional associations, and mental health organizations, will focus on addressing mental health needs of first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, National Guard members, and emergency medical services personnel. This task force will assess mental health challenges, develop support programs, foster collaboration, reduce stigma, and recommend policy changes, with a requirement to submit a final report to the Legislature before December 1, 2025. Neither task force will receive compensation, and both are intended to improve mental health support and suicide prevention for their respective target groups.

Military Affairs and Security

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1268.xml