TITLE: Relating to the creation of a task force on intentional violent deaths.

SUMMARY: Relating to the creation of a task force on intentional violent deaths.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the creation of a task force on intentional violent deaths. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. In this Act: (1) "Department" means the Department of State Health Services. (2) "Task force" means the task force on intentional violent deaths. SECTION 2. (a) The department shall establish a task force on intentional violent deaths. The task force shall develop a written plan establishing measures and a timeline to reduce intentional violent deaths in this state, including suicides and homicides. The department shall: (1) analyze current available local and state data relating to intentional violent deaths and: (A) identify gaps in the data; and (B) recommend measures to improve data collection; (2) analyze, to the extent feasible, the impact mental illness has on intentional violent deaths; (3) review current laws in this state and other states pertaining to addressing and preventing intentional violent deaths; and (4) review national best practices relating to policies on reducing intentional violent deaths. (b) The task force is composed of 11 members as follows: (1) two members appointed by the governor; (2) one member appointed by the lieutenant governor; (3) one member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; (4) one representative of each of the following agencies appointed by the executive head of the agency: (A) the department; (B) the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas; (C) the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and (D) the Texas Suicide Prevention Council; (5) one representative from a law enforcement organization, appointed by the commissioner of state health services; and (6) two representatives from public health advocacy organizations, appointed by the department. (c) A task force member is not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses incurred in performing the member's duties. (d) Not later than October 1, 2017, each person responsible for appointing members to the task force shall appoint the members as required by Subsection (b) of this section. (e) Not later than December 1, 2018, the task force shall submit its written plan to the governor and members of the legislature. SECTION 3. The task force is abolished and this Act expires September 1, 2019. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.