HB197 Summary

• Adds Chapter 58 to Title 22 of Alabama Code to establish a comprehensive plan addressing behavioral health needs of Alabama veterans, including mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and crisis services.

• Creates the Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee chaired by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) Commissioner, with 15 voting members including the Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) Commissioner, state agency heads, legislators, veterans service organizations, and mental health providers.

• Requires ADMH and ADVA to develop a comprehensive plan by January 1, 2025, reviewing current veteran mental health status, existing services, and service gaps, with presentation to legislative committees by April 1, 2025, and Governor approval by August 31, 2025.

• Authorizes ADMH to establish pilot projects for evidence-based behavioral health services including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for PTSD, traumatic brain injury screenings, integrated behavioral health and primary care models, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic programs.

• Makes implementation contingent on new appropriated funds, requires annual reporting to the committee on veteran participation and outcomes, and allows annual plan recommendations aligned with state and national behavioral health standards.