Governor Signs Emergency Measure to Strengthen Services Provided to Veterans Suffering With PTSD
- Arizona Senate Republicans
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 24, 2025
Governor Signs Emergency Measure to Strengthen Services
Provided to Veterans Suffering With PTSD
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Military Affairs & Border Security Committee Chairman David Gowan is supporting veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder with emergency legislation just signed into law late last week.
SB 1163 allows police officers who are employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the authority to transport veterans for emergency admission evaluations. A VA peace officer will have the ability to take into custody any individual the officer has probable cause to believe is a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health disorder. SB 1163 also grants a police officer the authority to apply for a written or telephonic emergency admission application, which is required before a person may be hospitalized.
"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," said Chairman Gowan. "This commonsense legislation ensures veterans won't have to wait for emergency medical professionals to become available or navigate complicated procedures while under duress. I'm thankful we are able to make progress with expediting help for veterans who are suffering from PTSD and ultimately saving their lives when they may be contemplating suicide. I want to extend a 'thank you' to Cpl. Charles Stalter for bringing the issues forward, and my colleagues in both the Senate and House for recognizing the value of this bill by overwhelmingly voting in support so this emergency measure could take effect the moment the Governor signed the bill."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus