AR SB4

Creates joint study by House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs to examine veterans' issues in Arkansas, with first meeting required within 60 days of enactment.

Study must examine suicide risk factors among veterans, review suicide prevention options, evaluate mental health care availability to veterans, and conduct at least one town-hall-style meeting to hear veteran concerns.

Committees must engage the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health, and licensed mental health professionals; review best practices from other states; and explore creating a statewide suicide prevention and mental health program for veterans.

Joint meetings required at least once every 3 months, with members entitled to per diem and mileage compensation; committees may establish an advisory board to assist with study purposes.

Final written report of activities, findings, and recommendations must be filed with the Legislative Council on or before December 1, 2020, at which time the study concludes.