Bill · S. 5591· Senate(119-S-5591)
Veterans Crisis Line Support and Safety Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/29/2026
- Last activity
- 9/29/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Richard Blumenthal
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Veterans Crisis Line Support and Safety Act of 2026. It aims to improve support for the personnel who work at the Veterans Crisis Line. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must provide these workers with free and confidential mental health services. The legislation also sets up occupational safeguards, such as workload limits and mandatory rest periods. Additionally, the bill allows the Secretary to handle non-crisis or abusive communications to protect the system's mission. Finally, the Comptroller General is required to submit a report reviewing the implementation and effectiveness of this section within one year.
Yes
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+7
The legislation directly benefits veterans by ensuring the Veterans Crisis Line is supported by a well-protected and resourced workforce.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+7
The bill enhances support and benefits for Veterans Crisis Line personnel through mental health services and occupational safeguards.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+6
The bill improves health services and crisis support for veterans by establishing better protocols and operational protections for the Veterans Crisis Line.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2(a): This section ensures that covered personnel have access to confidential mental health services at no cost. This is positive because it provides workers with counseling, peer support programs, and resiliency training during compensated on-duty time, which protects their well-being.
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Section 2(b): This section establishes occupational safeguards, including reasonable limitations on workload and shift duration. This is beneficial because it mandates rest periods following traumatic interactions and ensures staff only handle one case at a given time.
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Section 2(c): This section allows the Secretary to establish procedures to handle non-crisis or abusive communications. This is a positive step because it helps prevent interference with the line's mission while maintaining safeguards to preserve access for individuals experiencing a bona fide crisis.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(c): Under this section, individuals who make non-crisis or abusive communications can face actions such as receiving warnings, call handling restrictions, or redirection to alternative resources. This could be viewed as a negative burden for individuals who might have their communication restricted, though the bill includes safeguards to preserve access for actual crises.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+6
- 9/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John BoozmanRepublican · Arkansas