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S. 5591

BillFederalSenateIn Committee
A bill to improve support for personnel of the Veterans Crisis Line and to clarify authorities relating to crisis response protocols, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · September 29, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced
September 29, 2026
Cosponsors (1)
0D 1R
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Summary

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The Veterans Crisis Line Support and Safety Act of 2026 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide comprehensive mental health support and occupational protections to employees and contractors who staff the Veterans Crisis Line. The bill mandates that these workers receive free, confidential mental health services during and outside work hours, including counseling for trauma and burnout, with protections ensuring such care does not harm their employment status or advancement. The legislation also establishes strict occupational safeguards, including limits on workload and shift length, mandatory rest periods after traumatic calls, staffing levels based on call volume, and requirements that workers handle only one case at a time. Additionally, the bill directs the Veterans Affairs Department to develop procedures for handling non-crisis and abusive callers, including creating specialized intervention units to manage repeat callers while preserving access for those in genuine crisis. The Comptroller General is required to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within one year evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of these measures.

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