Brandon Act Training and Protocol Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6383
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6383Armed Forces and National Security
Brandon Act Training and Protocol Act
INTRO DEC 3· LAST ACTION DEC 3
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
7BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to directly tackle the serious issue of mental health challenges and suicide within the military. Many service members face unique stressors, and ensuring they have easy, confidential access to mental health care and support is crucial for their well-being and the strength of the armed forces.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more uniform and effective approach to mental health support across all military branches, potentially reducing stigma and improving early intervention. If it doesn't become law, the current varied approaches to mental health care and training might continue, potentially leaving gaps in support and awareness for service members struggling with their mental health.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategic plan to address suicide and mental health services for service members.
This ensures a high-level, coordinated effort to improve mental health support across the entire military.
PROVISION 02
Requires the plan to include uniform rules for how service members can confidentially request mental health evaluations.
This aims to make it easier and more consistent for service members to seek help privately, reducing potential barriers or stigma.
PROVISION 03
Mandates publicizing information about the self-initiated mental health referral process through workplace posters, flyers, and advertisements.
This ensures all service members are aware of their options for seeking mental health support.
PROVISION 04
Includes standardized mental health training for all service members, with specialized training for leaders and medical personnel.
This aims to improve recognition of mental health distress and appropriate responses across the military.
PROVISION 05
Requires a certification process for completing the mental health training.
This ensures accountability and documented compliance with the new training standards.
This bill matters because it aims to directly tackle the serious issue of mental health challenges and suicide within the military. Many service members face unique stressors, and ensuring they have easy, confidential access to mental health care and support is crucial for their well-being and the strength of the armed forces.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more uniform and effective approach to mental health support across all military branches, potentially reducing stigma and improving early intervention. If it doesn't become law, the current varied approaches to mental health care and training might continue, potentially leaving gaps in support and awareness for service members struggling with their mental health.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategic plan to address suicide and mental health services for service members.
This ensures a high-level, coordinated effort to improve mental health support across the entire military.
high
Requires the plan to include uniform rules for how service members can confidentially request mental health evaluations.
This aims to make it easier and more consistent for service members to seek help privately, reducing potential barriers or stigma.
med
Mandates publicizing information about the self-initiated mental health referral process through workplace posters, flyers, and advertisements.
This ensures all service members are aware of their options for seeking mental health support.
high
Includes standardized mental health training for all service members, with specialized training for leaders and medical personnel.
This aims to improve recognition of mental health distress and appropriate responses across the military.
med
Requires a certification process for completing the mental health training.
This ensures accountability and documented compliance with the new training standards.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Secretary of Defense
The head of the U.S. Department of Defense, responsible for all military matters.
Strategic plan
A high-level document outlining long-term goals and how to achieve them.
Military department
Refers to the Departments of the Army, Navy (which includes the Marine Corps), and Air Force (which includes the Space Force).
Defense Health Agency (DHA)
An agency within the Department of Defense that manages the health care for all active and retired military personnel and their families.
Uniform protocols
Standardized rules or procedures that are the same across different groups or departments.
Self-initiated referral process
A system where a service member can privately and directly request a mental health evaluation without needing permission or a referral from their commanding officer.
Senior enlisted leaders
Experienced non-commissioned officers who hold significant leadership positions within military units.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
DEC 3, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 3, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.