SSB 3118 (LSB 5996XC (4) 83)

SENATE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS BILL BY CHAIRPERSON BEALL)

A BILL FOR

An Act providing for representation of military veterans on certain mental health policy bodies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 225C.4, subsection 1, Code 2009, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  t.  Coordinate with the mental health planning and advisory council created pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300x-3 to ensure the council membership includes representation by a military veteran who is knowledgeable concerning the behavioral and mental health issues of veterans.
    Sec. 2.  Section 225C.5, subsection 1, Code Supplement 2009, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  jj.  One member who is a military veteran and who is knowledgeable concerning the behavioral and mental health issues of veterans. 
EXPLANATION
   This bill provides representation of military veterans on certain mental health policy bodies.
   Code section 225C.4, relating to the duties of the administrator of the division of mental health and disability services of the department of human services, is amended to direct the administrator to coordinate with the mental health planning and advisory council created pursuant to federal law to ensure the council membership includes representation by a military veteran who is knowledgeable concerning the behavioral and mental health issues of veterans. The council operates with its own bylaws and its membership is subject to federal requirements requiring certain state agencies to be represented and imposing a membership percentage limitation on the members who are state employees or providers of mental health services.
   Code section 225C.5, creating the mental health, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, and brain injury commission, is amended to add a new membership slot for a military veteran who is knowledgeable concerning the behavioral and mental health issues of veterans. Under current law the commission has 17 voting members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate.