85R7059 JG-D
By: Lucio S.B. No. 1862
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the development of initiatives to reduce veteran
suicides in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) The Texas Veterans Commission shall
collaborate with the Department of State Health Services to:
(1) identify proactive steps that can be taken through
agency rulemaking to strengthen the state's efforts to reduce
veteran suicides, including increasing suicide prevention training
requirements for mental health professionals; and
(2) develop for consideration by the legislature
initiatives and recommendations to reduce veteran suicides and
increase the availability of and access to mental health services,
including suicide prevention services, for veterans in this state.
(b) Not later than November 1, 2017, the Texas Veterans
Commission and the Department of State Health Services shall begin
collaborating as described by Subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Not later than November 1, 2018, the Texas Veterans
Commission and the Department of State Health Services shall submit
a written or electronic report to the governor and the legislature
on the steps identified and initiatives and recommendations
developed under Subsection (a) of this section.
SECTION 2. This Act expires September 1, 2019.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.