Bill > HB114

This bill transfers the administration of several veteran mental health programs from the Health and Human Services Commission to the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). Specifically, the bill establishes the TVC's responsibilities for developing and managing a comprehensive mental health program for veterans, which includes peer-to-peer counseling, suicide prevention training, veteran jail diversion services, and mental health first aid training. The program will include specialized initiatives for women veterans and rural veterans. The bill also creates a matching grant program to support community mental health programs that provide services to veterans and their families, with grant conditions based on the population of the county or counties served. Additionally, the bill requires the TVC to develop a comprehensive veteran suicide prevention action plan in collaboration with various stakeholders, with specific requirements for addressing mental health access, awareness, and outreach. The plan must include long-term recommendations to be fully implemented by September 1, 2027. The transfer of functions, personnel, obligations, and resources from the Health and Human Services Commission to the TVC will occur on September 1, 2025, with both agencies working together to ensure a smooth transition.