TITLE: Relating to the development of initiatives to reduce veteran suicides in this state.

SUMMARY: Relating to the development of initiatives to reduce veteran suicides in this state.

FULL TEXT:
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.