Bill Number: S 3245 | Origin Chamber: Senate | Status: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held. | Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Improves mental health screenings for service members leaving the military.
Senators Ricketts (R-NE) and Slotkin (D-MI) introduced this bill.
Introduced in the Senate, awaiting committee review.
This bill, known as the MIND Our Veterans Act, aims to improve mental health screenings for service members transitioning out of the military. It requires a joint VA-DoD committee to ensure screenings for PTSD, alcohol use, and violence risk are validated and to consider including substance use screening. Senator Ricketts (R-NE) and Senator Slotkin (D-MI) introduced this bill, which is currently in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee for consideration.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on November 20, 2025, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. It needs to pass this committee, then get a vote in the full Senate. If it passes there, it would then go to the House of Representatives for approval before potentially becoming law.
If this bill becomes law, service members preparing to leave the military would undergo improved mental health screenings. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense would need to ensure existing screens for issues like PTSD, alcohol use, and violence risk are scientifically validated and effective. Additionally, there's a requirement to assess and potentially include new screenings for substance use during their separation health assessments, offering a more comprehensive mental health check.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe this bill will ensure service members receive effective and validated mental health support as they transition out of the military.
Critics Say