89R6425 SCF-F
By: Middleton S.B. No. 1131
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an advisory committee to study suicide prevention and
peer support programs in fire departments in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
(1) "Advisory committee" means the advisory committee
established under this Act.
(2) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on Fire
Protection.
(3) "Fire department" has the meaning assigned by
Section 419.021, Government Code.
(4) "Fire fighter" has the meaning assigned by Section
143.003, Local Government Code.
SECTION 2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) The commission shall
establish an advisory committee to study the need to implement
suicide prevention and peer support programs in fire departments in
this state. The committee is composed of the following members:
(1) two fire fighters, appointed by the Texas State
Association of Fire Fighters;
(2) two fire fighters, appointed by the State
Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas;
(3) two fire chiefs, appointed by the Texas Fire
Chiefs Association;
(4) one person who is licensed to provide professional
mental health services, as defined by Section 531.002, Health and
Safety Code, appointed by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association;
(5) one person who is licensed to provide professional
mental health services as defined by Section 531.002, Health and
Safety Code, appointed by the Texas State Association of Fire
Fighters;
(6) one person who is licensed to provide professional
mental health services, as defined by Section 531.002, Health and
Safety Code, appointed by the State Firefighters' and Fire
Marshals' Association of Texas;
(7) one person, appointed by the executive director of
the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; and
(8) the executive director of the commission.
(b) The advisory committee shall designate a member of the
committee as chair of the committee.
(c) The commission may adopt rules necessary to carry out
the purpose and duties of the advisory committee under this Act.
(d) The commission shall provide administrative support and
resources necessary for the advisory committee to carry out the
purpose and duties of the committee under this Act.
(e) The advisory committee may meet in person or by
telephone conference, videoconference, or other electronic means.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than September 1, 2026, the
advisory committee shall prepare and submit a report to the
governor and the legislature. The report must:
(1) provide an overview of suicide prevention and peer
support groups in fire departments;
(2) address possible licensing requirements and any
confidentiality concerns; and
(3) provide recommendations on:
(A) the need for legislation to implement suicide
prevention and peer support groups in fire departments;
(B) whether to encourage local governments to
develop local suicide prevention and peer support groups in fire
departments; and
(C) specific programs to be implemented in this
state.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION DATE. The advisory committee is
abolished and this Act expires January 10, 2027.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2025.