Bill Text: TX HCR81 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Requesting the lieutenant governor and speaker to create a joint interim committee to study suicide prevention in Texas.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-03-25 - Left pending in committee [HCR81 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HCR81-Introduced.html

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86R14372 KSM-D
By: Hunter H.C.R. No. 81

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Suicide rates rose across the United States from
1999 to 2016, and the State of Texas saw a nearly 20 percent
increase during that period; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the
nation, claiming nearly 45,000 lives in 2016 alone; moreover, there
are millions of adults who have seriously considered or attempted
suicide, and the stigma associated with mental health conditions
often prevents these individuals from seeking the care they need;
and
WHEREAS, While the social impact of these deaths is
undeniable but difficult to quantify, the economic toll of suicide
on society is clear, with suicides and suicide attempts costing the
nation approximately $70 billion annually in lifetime medical and
work-loss costs; and
WHEREAS, All 50 states have a suicide prevention plan, but
most states, including Texas, do not require suicide prevention
training for health care professionals; evidence shows that states
and communities can do more to identify and support people at risk
of suicide by teaching coping skills, promoting safe and supportive
environments, and connecting people to effective and coordinated
mental and physical health care; and
WHEREAS, Suicide is a public health issue of vital importance
to all Texans, and the development of suicide prevention strategies
would help to save lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby request the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house
of representatives to create a joint interim committee to study
suicide prevention in Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be
governed by such general rules and policies for interim committees
as the 86th Texas Legislature may adopt; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee shall submit a full report,
including findings and recommendations, to the 87th Texas
Legislature before it convenes in January 2021.