Military affairs: other; office of mental health; establish within the Michigan department of military and veterans affairs. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5277'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5280'23, HB 5720'24
Impact
The bill is poised to create significant changes in how mental health support for veterans is structured in Michigan. Given the increasing concerns over veteran mental health, this initiative aims to consolidate responses to complex issues like suicide prevention and substance misuse within a dedicated framework. This may enhance the availability and accessibility of mental health services for veterans, potentially impacting state laws related to veterans' health care and social services.
Summary
House Bill 5276, known as the Protecting Veterans Mental Health Act, proposes the establishment of an office dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. This new office will be responsible for addressing mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders among veterans. A manager with experience in veteran mental health will be appointed to oversee the office's initiatives and ensure effective program implementation aimed at improving mental health outcomes for servicemembers and veterans.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 5276 appears to be positive among legislative supporters who emphasize the urgent need for dedicated mental health resources. Advocates view this legislation as vital for addressing the mental health crisis affecting veterans and ensuring they receive proper support. However, there may also be concerns regarding the effective allocation and execution of these resources, necessitating further discussions on funding and oversight.
Contention
Some notable points of contention include the appropriateness of establishing such an office and the specific powers granted to it. Critics may express apprehension about the potential bureaucracy that could arise or debates over the most effective methods for addressing veteran mental health challenges. Furthermore, while the bill ties into efforts for statewide improvements, it remains essential that real, measurable outcomes accompany the establishment of this office to ensure that it effectively meets the needs of veterans in Michigan.
Same As
Military affairs: other; Michigan azimuth bridge program for transitioning military service members' mental health; establish. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 321. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5720'24
MI HB5277
Same As
Military affairs: other; office of mental health; establish within the Michigan veterans affairs agency. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 322. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5280'23, HB 5720'24
MI HB5279
Same As
Military affairs: other; office of mental health peer mentorship program; establish within the Michigan department of military and veterans affairs. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 323. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5280'23, HB 5720'24
MI HB5720
Same As
Military affairs: other; access to resources by National Guard members; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5280'23
Military affairs: other; office of mental health peer mentorship program; establish within the Michigan department of military and veterans affairs. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 323. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5280'23, HB 5720'24
Military affairs: other; office of mental health; establish within the Michigan veterans affairs agency. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 322. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5280'23, HB 5720'24
Military affairs: other; Michigan azimuth bridge program for transitioning military service members' mental health; establish. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 321. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5720'24
Military affairs: other; veteran service officer mental health training program; establish. Amends title of 1953 PA 192 (MCL 35.621 - 35.624) & adds sec. 3b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5280'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5279'23
Military affairs: other; access to resources by National Guard members; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5280'23
A concurrent resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.
Military affairs: other; access to resources by National Guard members; provide for. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5279'23, HB 5280'23
A resolution to urge the United States Armed Forces to expand the use of medical waivers for recruits with food allergies, including allergies to peanuts.
This resolution recognizes the historic contributions of Okinawan Americans to the United States and urges the people of the United States to honor the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to the United States.