Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill passes Senate

Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill passes Senate

Rep. Melissa Shusterman    July 12, 2026 | 4:25 PM

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, announced that her legislation to require additional trainings and certifications for county veteran assistance directors regarding trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma (MST), has advanced out of the state Senate with a unanimous vote.

House Bill 2024 ensures that the Commonwealth’s county veteran assistance directors are best equipped to meet the post-service needs of the state’s veterans. Shusterman said these requirements come at the suggestion of the Commonwealth’s Women Veterans Health Care Task Force.

“With nearly 700,000 veterans living in our Commonwealth, it’s incredibly important that our legislative body continues our bipartisan work to honor and support our veterans,” Shusterman said. “As with other forms of trauma, survivors of MST live with their experiences in different ways, and their mental and physical health may be significantly affected for years to come. It is imperative to ensure the resources and support we provide to them is effective.

“I extend my appreciation to my co-prime sponsor Rep. Scheuren and Chair Solomon from the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Their support and guidance have helped promote awareness and bipartisanship around this bill. I look forward to finding more ways to continue serving those who sacrificed so much for us.”

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

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