Alabama § 22-58-3 - Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee.

§ 22-58-3. Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee.

(a) The Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee is established. The purpose of the committee is to develop a comprehensive plan to address the behavioral health needs of Alabama veterans.

(b) The committee shall include the following individuals:

(1) The ADMH Commissioner, or his or her designee. The ADMH Commissioner shall chair the committee.

(2) The ADVA Commissioner, or his or her designee. The ADVA Commissioner shall vice-chair the committee.

(3) The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Commissioner, or his or her designee.

(4) The Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard, or his or her designee.

(5) During their tenure as legislators, the lead sponsor for House Bill 197 and the lead sponsor for Senate Bill 135 from the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, who, upon leaving the Legislature, shall be replaced by the respective chairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate standing committees that address veterans and military affairs, or their designees.

(6) Representatives of two veterans service organizations with expertise in mental health, substance use, peer support, and other culturally competent care, appointed by the ADVA Commissioner, who shall serve for initial terms of one year and three years, respectively.

(7) Representatives of one other veterans support organization, appointed by the ADVA Commissioner, who shall serve for an initial term of four years, respectively.

(8) Three mental health and substance use providers certified by ADMH who also serve veterans, appointed by the ADMH Commissioner, who shall serve for initial terms of one, two, and three years, respectively.

(9) The Associate Commissioner of the ADMH Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the committee.

(10) The Veterans Well-Being Program Manager of the ADVA shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the committee.

(11) The Governor or his or her designee.

(12) The Lieutenant Governor or his or her designee.

(13) The Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives or his or her designee.

(14) The President Pro Tempore of the Senate, or his or her designee.

(15) The minority leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate, or their designees.

(c) All appointing authorities shall coordinate their appointments so that diversity of gender, race, and geographical areas are reflective of the makeup of this state. To the extent practicable, appointing authorities are encouraged to prioritize appointments of service members, veterans, and family members of veterans. The designee of a committee member shall not be a health care provider or mental health care provider.

(d) Meetings of the committee shall be held no less than on a quarterly basis, or upon the call of the chair or a majority of committee members. Appointments to the committee shall be made by July 1, 2024, and the first meeting of the committee shall be held by September 1, 2024. All meetings shall comply with the Open Meetings Act.