Sacramento – Today the California State Assembly passed AB 988, a bill requiring mental health crisis providers to report on the number of veterans or active-duty personnel who utilize the service. Assemblyman Mathis issued the following statement upon the passage of AB 988.
“I am grateful that my colleagues in the Assembly unanimously supported my bill that would allow the state to better aid veterans who are contemplating suicide. AB 988 would give the state more data on veteran usage of the 988 suicide hotline by requiring suicide crisis lines to give an annual report on the number of active or former military personnel who utilize their services. Over 22 veterans commit suicide every single day. Our country has failed to protect the very heroes who were ready to sacrifice their lives to ensure our freedom. I want to thank Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks (D), Diane Dixon (R), Eduardo Garcia (D), Juan Alanis (R), Laurie Davies (R), Philip Y. Ting (D), and Tina McKinnor (D) for coauthoring. I am glad that the Assembly has put partisanship aside and come together to support our heroes. I hope that the Senate immediately passes my bill so our state can quickly start assisting our veterans in need.”
