Flanked by Missouri National Guard members and lawmakers, Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation benefiting military veterans on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Photo by Kurt Erickson, Post-Dispatch JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation Thursday requiring two state agencies to develop a strategy to reduce suicides among military veterans.
The measure was among the final seven bills Parson publicly signed into law this year as he heads toward a January retirement due to term limits. Others include an expansion of the powers of the state auditor and a tax credit program designed to promote investments in rural Missouri.
The veteran suicide law mandates the Missouri Veterans Commission to work with the Department of Mental Health to review policies and treatment options that could address why Missouri has one of the highest veteran suicide rates in the country . People are also reading…
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The new law, which was part of a package of veteran-related provisions sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, will press officials to study how multiple deployments and combat missions may affect the suicide rate, as well as the age of veterans, their living conditions and their military occupation.
Parson, an Army veteran, said he is pleased that talk about suicide is no longer a taboo subject to be avoided.“People didn’t want to deal with it. People didn’t want to admit there are problems,” the governor said. “Today is about changing tomorrow. We can make a difference.”The veterans commission must file an annual report on the recommendations and implementation of its efforts. House Bill 1495 won unanimous support in the Missouri House and Senate.In addition to the suicide program, the new law aims to ease custody and visitation agreements for parents who are preparing for a military deployment.The governor also signed a law allowing for full state […]
Missouri governor signs law putting focus on suicides by military veterans
