By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona lawmakers have taken swift action to strengthen emergency mental health services for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB 1163 into law earlier this month, a measure designed to allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) peace officers to directly assist veterans in crisis.
The legislation, sponsored by Senate Military Affairs and Border Security Committee Chairman David Gowan (R-LD19), grants VA peace officers the authority to take veterans into custody if they have probable cause to believe the individual is a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health disorder. Police officers may also apply for written or telephonic emergency admission evaluations, a legal requirement before an individual can be hospitalized for psychiatric care.
“It’s our duty to support the veterans who have served our country, and one way we can do so is by immediately providing the best possible care when they face mental health challenges,” Gowan said in a statement. He emphasized that the new law would help prevent tragedies by allowing veterans to access emergency services more quickly, without delays caused by waiting for civilian emergency personnel or navigating complicated legal processes.
The bill was approved overwhelmingly by both the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives, reflecting bipartisan agreement on the need to improve veteran mental health care. Gowan also credited Cpl. Charles Stalter, a veterans advocate, for bringing the issue to lawmakers’ attention.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD affects between 11% and 20% of veterans who served in operations such as Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Mental health crises among veterans have been a growing concern nationally, with the VA reporting an average of 17 veteran suicides per day in 2021.
Under previous Arizona law, VA peace officers lacked the specific legal authority to initiate emergency mental health holds, even when faced with an obvious crisis. SB 1163 closes that gap, aligning Arizona with several other states that have empowered VA officers to take immediate action in mental health emergencies on VA property.
Supporters say the emergency designation for the bill — allowing it to take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature — was necessary given the urgency of the mental health needs among the veteran population.
“This commonsense legislation ensures veterans won’t have to wait for help,” Gowan said. “It will save lives.”
The Arizona Department of Health Services and the Department of Veterans’ Services are expected to assist with implementation and coordination with VA facilities statewide.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
