|
|
|
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. |