The Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs has released its interim report to the 89th Legislature. See below for a spotlight on recommendations from the report.
Charge 1. Programs Providing Direct and Indirect Mental Health Services
- Identify gaps and areas of current state programs to enhance mental health services for veterans.
- Ensure that ample resources are made available to women military-service members, such as the creation of a standalone treatment facility for women seeking mental health treatment.
- Agencies look for ways to streamline and enhance the licensing process for mental health professionals to address the growing demand for mental health services and ensure timely access to quality care.
Charge 2. Review and Report on Progress the Creation of a Single Database for Veteran Benefits
- Provide necessary funding to establish a comprehensive database to track veterans’ contact information, utilizing advanced tools such as artificial intelligence for data accuracy and management.
- Explore ways to integrate data from multiple sources, ensuring up-to-date and complete contact information for better outreach and support services.
Charge 3. Accessibility and Affordability of Veteran Housing
- Explore ways to serve more veterans through housing affordability and expand the utilization of home loans at the Veterans Land Board (VLB.)
- Analyze and explore potential investment in ways for artificial intelligence (AI) to be responsibly used for the purpose of serving the agency’s customers – Texas veterans. AI technology could assist the veteran homeless community and further prevention efforts of veteran homelessness, while ensuring data privacy and security of information.
