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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the development of initiatives to reduce veteran |
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suicides in this state. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. (a) The Texas Veterans Commission shall |
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collaborate with the Department of State Health Services to: |
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(1) identify proactive steps that can be taken through |
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agency rulemaking to strengthen the state's efforts to reduce |
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veteran suicides, including increasing suicide prevention training |
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requirements for mental health professionals; and |
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(2) develop for consideration by the legislature |
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initiatives and recommendations to reduce veteran suicides and |
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increase the availability of and access to mental health services, |
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including suicide prevention services, for veterans in this state. |
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(b) Not later than November 1, 2017, the Texas Veterans |
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Commission and the Department of State Health Services shall begin |
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collaborating as described by Subsection (a) of this section. |
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(c) Not later than November 1, 2018, the Texas Veterans |
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Commission and the Department of State Health Services shall submit |
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a written or electronic report to the governor and the legislature |
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on the steps identified and initiatives and recommendations |
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developed under Subsection (a) of this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act expires September 1, 2019. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |