HB2654 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB100 10893 MJP 21128 b

100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2017 and 2018
HB2654

Introduced , by Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 2805/2h new

Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Provides that the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide training to frontline employees at veterans service organizations established under the Act on mental health services to identify veterans who might be at risk of suicidal thoughts. Provides that the training may include, but not be limited to, mental health first aid training and amplified suicide advanced training programs. Provides that the Department shall provide assistance to Veterans Assistance Commissions established under the Military Veterans Assistance Act and veterans' service associations, including, but not limited to, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and AMVETS, in providing the training. Provides that the Department shall find combat veterans to serve as veteran service officers at veterans service organizations established under the Act for the purpose of having veteran services officers who are able to properly relate to fellow combat veterans. Requires the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement these provisions.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Veterans Affairs Act is amended by adding Section 2h as follows:

(20 ILCS 2805/2h new)

Sec. 2h. Task Force on Veterans' Suicide recommendations. The provisions of this Section are based on the recommendations in the final report of the Task Force on Veterans' Suicide, published on December 30, 2016. The Department shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section.

The Department shall provide training to frontline employees at veterans service organizations established under this Act on mental health services to identify veterans who might be at risk of suicidal thoughts. This training may include, but not be limited to, mental health first aid training and amplified suicide advanced training programs. The Department shall provide assistance to Veterans Assistance Commissions established under Section 9 of the Military Veterans Assistance Act and veterans' service associations, including, but not limited to, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and AMVETS, in providing the training under this paragraph to the employees of the Veterans Assistance Commissions and veterans' service associations.

The Department shall find combat veterans to serve as veteran service officers at veterans service organizations established under this Act for the purpose of having veteran services officers who are able to properly relate to fellow combat veterans.