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Bill

SB 1131

Relating to an advisory committee to study suicide prevention and peer support programs in fire departments in this state.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mayes Middleton

Texas bill creates advisory committee to study and recommend suicide prevention and peer support improvements for state fire departments.

Referred to Local Government
#fireprotection #texascommissionon(v0035) #firefighters&police--general(i0370) #interimstudies(i0448) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #texasa&mengineeringextensionservice(u0235)
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Bill Summary · SB 1131

Legislative bill overview

SB 1131 establishes an advisory committee tasked with studying suicide prevention and peer support programs specifically for fire departments in Texas. The bill directs the committee to examine existing programs, identify gaps, and likely develop recommendations for improving mental health support among firefighters.

Why is this important

Firefighters experience suicide rates significantly higher than the general population, making targeted mental health interventions a public health priority. An advisory committee can provide data-driven recommendations to help fire departments implement evidence-based prevention and peer support strategies that address this occupational hazard.

Potential points of contention

  • Committee scope and authority: The bill's language doesn't specify whether recommendations are binding or advisory-only, and whether individual fire departments must implement findings
  • Funding mechanisms: No apparent allocation of state funds to support both the committee's work and any resulting programs that departments might adopt
  • Definition of peer support: Unclear whether "peer support programs" includes mandatory participation, liability protections for peer supporters, or professional mental health integration requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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