Texas Senate Bill SB1986

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of an advisory committee on mental health issues affecting veterans within the Texas Veterans Commission.

Impact

This bill modifies Section 434 of the Government Code by adding a new section concerning an advisory committee specifically focused on mental health issues for veterans. The establishment of this committee signifies a legislative recognition of the importance of mental health in veteran communities. The committee is tasked with assessing the current mental health services available to veterans and identifying gaps in care, which could lead to significant policy changes and enhancements in state-level mental health programs.

Summary

SB1986 aims to establish an advisory committee dedicated to addressing mental health issues affecting veterans within the Texas Veterans Commission. The bill seeks to enhance the support systems available for veterans by focusing specifically on mental health concerns, including the critical issue of suicide prevention. By creating this committee, the legislation intends to better identify, study, and recommend improvements to existing mental health services tailored for veterans, acknowledging the unique challenges they face after their military service.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a positive intent towards supporting veteran mental health, discussions around potential challenges include the concerns regarding the efficiency and authority of the newly formed advisory committee. Questions arise as to how effectively the committee will operate and whether the recommendations made will result in tangible improvements. There are also underlying concerns about the integration of this committee’s efforts with existing mental health services and whether it could inadvertently lead to overlaps or mismanagement in resources allocated to veterans' care.