Expresses support for federal "Building Resources and Access for Veteran's Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Sauickie and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey expresses support for the BRAVE Act of 2025 to improve VA mental health services, Vet Centers, women veterans’ care, and non-clinical suicide prevention funding.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee

Summary of AR 136 (Session 222) — New Jersey

Purpose and intent

Expresses the New Jersey General Assembly’s support for the federal BRAVE Act of 2025 (Building Resources and Access for Veterans’ Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025).

Urges Congress to pass the BRAVE Act and for the President to sign it into law.

Highlights the importance of veteran mental health and the state’s commitment to supporting veterans both locally and nationally.

Key provisions and changes (federal-level focus)

The bill is a resolution expressing support for the BRAVE Act of 2025, introduced in the 119th Congress.

BRAVE Act components (as described in the resolution) address:

Mental health services and care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Personnel matters related to VA mental health services.
Administration of Vet Centers (community-based counseling and outreach for veterans).
Issues concerning women veterans and access to care.
Extension of the Staff Sergeant Parker G. Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which funds community-based organizations to provide non-clinical suicide prevention services to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

The resolution does not implement changes at the state level but signals state support for federal reforms.

Who or what would be affected

Veterans receiving VA mental health services and their families (per the BRAVE Act’s scope).

VA personnel and Vet Center operations (as they relate to administration and access).

Women veterans (within BRAVE Act provisions addressing women veterans’ access to care).

Community-based organizations participating in the Staff Sergeant Parker G. Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (through continued or expanded grants for non-clinical prevention services).

Significance for New Jersey

New Jersey is home to an estimated 300,000 veterans; the state notes a 2023 veteran suicide rate of 13.5 per 100,000.

The resolution frames veteran mental health as a priority for New Jersey and underscores a commitment to supporting veterans’ emotional and mental health both within the state and nationwide.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: May 7, 2026.

Referred to: Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

The resolution urges federal action (passage by Congress and the President’s signature) but does not enact state-level policy change.

Sponsor information

Primary sponsor: (Not specified in the text provided)

Co-sponsor: Alex Sauickie

Practical takeaway

This is a symbolic, non-binding resolution affirming support for the BRAVE Act of 2025 and calling on federal lawmakers to enact it. It reflects New Jersey’s policy posture on veteran mental health and its alignment with federal efforts to enhance VA mental health services, Vet Center operations, care access for women veterans, and continued non-clinical suicide prevention funding.