New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4227

Introduced
6/13/22  

Caption

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

Impact

The establishment of this task force signifies a legislative commitment to addressing the mental health crisis within the military cohort. With a structured approach that includes regular meetings and the submission of biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature, the task force is expected to provide actionable insights and recommendations regarding suicide prevention strategies. Importantly, this bill supplements existing statutes related to veterans and military affairs, indicating a legislative push towards more integrated mental health support mechanisms.

Summary

Bill A4227 establishes a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force in New Jersey, aimed at addressing and eliminating military suicides among active duty members and veterans. The task force will be formed by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Human Services. Its primary objective is to recommend comprehensive strategies that will engage and focus on improving mental health services for the military community, specifically geared toward suicide prevention.

Contention

While most discussions surrounding this bill focus on its necessity and potential effectiveness, there may also be concerns regarding the implementation of its recommendations. Critics could argue that even with a well-established task force, the obstructions within existing bureaucracies and mental health support frameworks might limit the effectiveness of proposed strategies. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding funding allocations and the task force's ability to garner sufficient resources necessary for meaningful impact.

Companion Bills

NJ S2895

Same As Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1072

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

NJ S2895

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

NJ S955

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

NJ A4568

Establishes Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission.

NJ A2743

Establishes Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission.

NJ S3807

Establishes Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission.

NJ AB1470

Ending Military Suicide Task Force.

NJ AB2032

Ending Military and Veteran Suicide Task Force.

NJ A2434

Establishes one New Jersey Suicide Prevention Advisory Council in DOH.

NJ A1682

Establishes one New Jersey Suicide Prevention Advisory Council in DOH.

Similar Bills

NJ S955

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

NJ S2895

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

NJ A1072

Establishes Military Suicide Prevention Task Force.

NJ A5489

Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of US Armed Forces, NJ National Guard, and reserve component of US Armed Forces; creates permanent commission to study various definitions related to veteran status.

NJ S373

Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of US Armed Forces, NJ National Guard, and reserve component of US Armed Forces; creates permanent commission to study various definitions related to veteran status.

NJ S228

Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of US Armed Forces, NJ National Guard, and reserve component of US Armed Forces; creates permanent commission to study various definitions related to veteran status.

NJ A747

Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of the United States Armed Forces and New Jersey National Guard and make recommendations on how State should address issues.

NJ A1748

Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of the United States Armed Forces and New Jersey National Guard and make recommendations on how State should address issues.