Arizona Senate Republicans Advance Legislation to Strengthen Services Provided to Veterans Suffering PTSD

Arizona Senate Republicans have advanced two pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing mental health services for veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD. Both bills, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, have been transmitted to the House of Representatives for consideration.

SB 1163, introduced by Senator David Gowan, is an emergency measure designed to improve response efforts for veterans in mental health crises. The bill would give police officers employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the authority to initiate mental health evaluations and transport veterans to facilities for care. Gowan, who worked closely with the VA and law enforcement groups across the state to draft the bill, emphasized that this legislation would connect veterans with much-needed mental health support rather than diverting them into the criminal justice system.

In addition, SB 1710, also sponsored by Senator Gowan, seeks to establish a Mental Health Services for Veterans Grant Program. This bill allocates $2,000,000 from the state’s general fund to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS), which will distribute the funds to private entities providing mental health services to veterans. Gowan underscored the importance of ensuring consistent, long-term mental health support for veterans, both during and after their service, to address challenges they face due to combat-related mental health issues.

Both bills reflect ongoing efforts to enhance support for Arizona’s veterans, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.