The Georgia Senate passed a resolution on Feb. 21 that would create a new study committee on veterans’ mental health and housing.
Senate Resolution 527 is sponsored by four Democrats and seven Republicans, including District 54 state Sen. Chuck Payne, R-Dalton.
“A recent federal study by the Housing Assistance Council estimates that as many as 40,000 veterans in Georgia live in poverty and that nearly 700 veterans currently experience homelessness in Georgia,” the introduced text of the resolution reads. “Promoting access to specialized services and housing is often a key step to ensuring that veterans and their families have the resources and support they need to thrive in the years following their military service.”
The proposed Senate Study Committee on Veterans’ Mental Health and Housing would be comprised of five Senate members appointed by the president of the Senate.
“The committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any action or legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate,” the text continues.
Per the enrolled iteration of the resolution, the committee is permitted to conduct meetings “at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient” to exercise its powers and perform its duties.
Committee members would receive allowances for their participation, with such funding stemmed from dollars appropriated to the Senate.
“The allowances authorized by this resolution shall not be received by any member of the committee for more than five days unless additional days are authorized,” the resolution text reads.
The committee chair would file a report pertaining to specific findings, recommendations or proposals for subsequent legislation to the secretary of the Senate.
The committee would be abolished on Dec. 1, 2024.
“Many Georgians require services and support tailored to their unique experiences and the challenges they face as veterans, particularly if they have suffered severe injuries or been exposed to traumatic events during their service,” the resolution reads. “The Senate should regularly evaluate the adequacy of public and private programs and services available to provide these vital resources to veterans.”