87R11957 MP-D
By: Gutierrez S.B. No. 1380
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of the farmer mental health and suicide
prevention program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 12, Agriculture Code, is amended by
adding Section 12.051 to read as follows:
Sec. 12.051. FARMER MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION
PROGRAM. (a) The department shall establish a farmer mental health
and suicide prevention program to raise awareness among farmers of
issues relating to mental health and suicide prevention.
(b) As part of the program, the department shall:
(1) promote suicide prevention among farmers through a
public awareness campaign;
(2) provide a toll-free telephone hotline for farmer
mental health assistance;
(3) develop a mental wellness plan for farmers
affected by a disaster; and
(4) coordinate suicide prevention activities with
other state agencies, including the Department of State Health
Services.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.