85R7059 JG-D     By: Lucio S.B. No. 1862       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.