King, Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Provide Mental Health Services to Incarcerated Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and U.S. Representatives Herb Conaway, MD (D-NJ) and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) are introducing bicameral, bipartisan legislation to support mental health services for incarcerated veterans. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans Behavioral Assistance and Care for Key Health Outcomes to Maintain Empowerment (BACK HOME) Act would create a pilot program to allow the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority given to providing services to veterans with a service-connected disability for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma (MST).

Currently, the VA is prohibited from providing hospital or inpatient care to veterans who are patients or inmates in an institution of another government agency with a duty to provide care or services, such as prisons. Additionally, veterans who are convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than 60 days have their disability compensation payments reduced during their imprisonment. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act would create a pilot program that allows the VA to provide mental health services to incarcerated veterans, with a priority to those with a service-connected disability for PTSD, TBI, or MST. The bill also encourages prison facilities to establish dedicated veteran housing units, where possible, to provide an environment more conducive to the discipline, structure, and order familiar to veterans and facilitate more effective treatment, peer support, and rehabilitative efforts.

"Too many of our veterans carry invisible wounds from their service, and far too often those wounds go untreated-especially for those who become incarcerated," said Senator King. "The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act meets veterans where they are and ensures they receive the care they've earned. Expanding mental health services to incarcerated veterans helps give individuals a better path toward stability and rehabilitation."

"Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude," said Senator Ricketts. "We owe them real support. That means confronting PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse head-on before those invisible wounds lead to bigger challenges. The Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act supports incarcerated veterans by providing sustainable access to mental health services and a guarantee of resumption of benefits upon their release. Our veterans fought for us. I will keep fighting for them."

"Every veteran makes a sacred commitment to this nation, and we have a duty to stand by them, no matter where life takes them after their service," said Representative Luttrell. "PTSD, TBI, and the invisible wounds of war don't disappear in difficult circumstances, and neither should our commitment to those who've worn the uniform. That means confronting these challenges head-on and making sure these men and women have a real shot to rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into the communities they once swore to defend."

As of 2023, there were an estimated 15.8 million veterans in the United States, with about 200,000 additional servicemembers transitioning to civilian life each year. In 2016, it was estimated that 107,400 veterans were serving time in state or federal prison. Combat exposure and associated mental and physical health problems, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), mood disorders, and substances use disorders, are associated with a greater likelihood of involvement with the criminal justice system amongst veterans. Some studies have suggested that veterans with PTSD are 61% more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system than those without PTSD, and 59% more likely to be arrested for violent offenses.

The legislation is supported by the Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Correctional Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association.

"As a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, who served in Fallujah, I have seen firsthand the psychological impact of war," said Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Randy Liberty. "While serving as Sheriff of Kennebec County, as Warden of the Maine State Prison, and now as the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections, I have witnessed many incarcerated Veterans who required mental health treatment related to their service, that was unavailable. This legislation will provide critical services by the Veterans Administration that the Veterans have earned, allowing them successful reentry back into the community."

"On behalf of our 1.5 million members, The American Legion applauds Senator King's leadership on the Get Justice Involved Vets BACK HOME Act," said American Legion Executive Director Mario Marquez. "Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and military sexual trauma are often significant factors for veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. Ensuring these veterans have access to qualified clinicians who are equipped to address their unique needs is essential to facilitate successful re-entry in society."

"Vietnam Veterans of America salutes Senator King for his efforts in advancing the 'Welcome Home Veterans Act,'" said Dominick Yezzo, General Counsel at Vietnam Veterans of America. "This congressional mandate provides immediate comprehensive Veterans Administration support to military men and women upon their return to civilian life. VVA thanks Senator King for undertaking our creed-'Never Again will one generation of veterans abandon another.'"

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America's servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his "outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans."

On the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits.

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