HB2653 Summary

• Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to establish programs and services based on recommendations from the Task Force on Veterans' Suicide final report (December 30, 2016).

• Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to conduct proactive outreach to veterans who served in high casualty units, high conflict areas, or units where at least one service member committed suicide following service.

• Mandates the Department or its nonprofit collaborators to conduct a public awareness campaign addressing trauma and internal injuries suffered by veterans, dispelling myths about grieving, suicide, and mental health healing.

• Requires the Department to develop a licensing program for therapy dogs (with possible extension to other therapy animals) for veterans, including training standards and identification protocols.

• Directs the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement these provisions and coordinate with existing suicide prevention programs.