CT HB07177

Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, shall conduct a study identifying mental health needs of veterans and armed forces members in the state and available programs through state agencies, community organizations, and nonprofits.

Study shall include recommendations to state agencies, organizations, and entities on allocating resources to better address mental health needs of veterans and armed forces members.

Joint commissioners shall report findings and recommendations to the joint standing committees on public health and veterans' and military affairs by January 1, 2018.

Commissioner of Veterans Affairs shall study the prevalence of former armed forces members discharged due to post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury and the feasibility of expanding state veterans' benefits and services to such individuals.

Commissioner of Veterans Affairs shall report findings on operational and financial feasibility to the joint standing committee on veterans' and military affairs by January 1, 2018; both sections effective October 1, 2017.