WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2673

Creates provisions relating to wellness checks for at-risk veterans

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Johnson

HB 2673 creates a formal framework to identify at-risk veterans and initiate timely wellness checks with referrals to needed services and coordinated follow-up.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#healthcare #mentalhealth #departmentof #veterans
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2673

Summary of HB 2673 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HB 2673 creates provisions relating to wellness checks for at-risk veterans. The bill aims to establish a formal framework for identifying veterans who may need behavioral health or welfare support and initiating timely wellness checks and responses to ensure safety and access to services.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Wellness checks for at-risk veterans:
    • Establishes criteria or triggers for when a veteran should receive a wellness check. This may include indicators such as sudden behavioral changes, reported distress, isolation, or known risk factors.
    • Outlines responsibilities for appropriate state, local, or affiliated organizations to conduct or coordinate wellness checks.
  • Roles and coordination:
    • Defines who is authorized to initiate a wellness check (e.g., law enforcement, veterans’ services agencies, healthcare providers, or designated civilian contractors).
    • Encourages or requires coordination among veterans affairs offices, mental health services, emergency medical responders, and community organizations.
  • Privacy and consent:
    • Addresses privacy considerations related to information shared during wellness-check activities.
    • Specifies limits on data collection, retention, and sharing consistent with applicable state and federal laws.
  • Referral and connection to services:
    • Requires wellness-check outcomes to include a plan for connecting the veteran to eligible services (mental health care, housing, case management, crisis hotlines, or emergency services if needed).
    • Encourages follow-up or case management to monitor the veteran’s well-being after a wellness check.
  • Oversight and reporting:
    • May establish reporting requirements or periodic audits to assess the effectiveness and compliance of wellness checks.
    • Possible creation of metrics to track outcomes (e.g., number of checks conducted, follow-up actions, service referrals).
  • Funding and implementation:
    • If included, outlines potential funding sources or allocations to support wellness-check programs and coordination efforts.

Who or what would be affected

  • At-risk veterans: Primary beneficiaries, as they would be subject to wellness-check protocols and subsequent care/referral processes.
  • Veterans services agencies and affiliated units: Responsible for implementing wellness checks, coordinating with partners, and maintaining records.
  • Law enforcement and emergency responders: Potentially involved in initiating or carrying out wellness checks under defined circumstances.
  • Mental health and social services providers: Linked to referrals and ongoing support for veterans identified through wellness checks.
  • Data privacy and public safety stakeholders: Involved in ensuring compliant handling of information and evaluating program effectiveness.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative history in the current session:
    • Prefiled on 2026-01-05
    • Read First Time on 2026-01-07
    • Read Second Time on 2026-01-08
    • Referred to Emerging Issues (H) on 2026-05-15
  • If enacted, the bill would likely require rulemaking or implementation timelines for establishing protocols, training personnel, and establishing coordination mechanisms.
  • Any funding provisions, if included, would specify the appropriation period and reporting cadence to the legislature.

Additional notes

  • Co-sponsor: Michael Johnson
  • The bill’s text (not provided here) would detail the exact criteria for a “wellness check,” permissible actions during a check, and the specific agencies empowered to act. Readers interested in implementation specifics should review the bill’s language upon passage and any accompanying fiscal notes.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular stakeholders (e.g., veterans organizations, law enforcement, or health providers) or compare HB 2673 to existing Missouri programs addressing veteran welfare.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.