HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has enacted a law requiring county veterans affairs personnel to receive additional training in trauma-informed care, military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, expanding the qualifications for officials who assist veterans seeking services.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the measure, formerly House Bill 2024, into law Monday as Act 38 of 2026. The legislation was introduced by state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, and was developed following recommendations from the Commonwealth’s Women Veterans Health Care Task Force.
The new law requires County Veteran Assistance Directors to complete additional training and certification intended to improve support for veterans experiencing service-related physical and psychological trauma.
Pennsylvania is home to nearly 700,000 veterans, many of whom return from military service with physical injuries, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries or the effects of military sexual trauma, according to Shusterman.
“We owe it to our veterans to ensure that the resources and support we provide them are effective,” Shusterman said, adding that survivors of military sexual trauma often experience long-term mental and physical health effects.
Shusterman also credited co-prime sponsor Rep. David H. Rowe? Wait no. Actually source says Rep. Scheuren. Use only source. She thanked co-prime sponsor Rep. Scheuren and House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Jared Solomon for advancing the legislation.
“I look forward to finding more ways to continue serving those who sacrificed so much for us,” she said.
Act 38 takes effect following the governor’s signature and establishes the new training requirements for county veterans assistance personnel statewide.
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