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Bill

HB 39

Relating to information and data regarding the incidence of veteran deaths in this state.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 14 co-sponsors

Texas establishes mandatory data collection and reporting on veteran deaths to inform policy, resource allocation, and suicide prevention efforts beginning September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#birth&deathcertificates(s6418) #crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #crimes--drugs(i0185) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #military&veterans(i0535) #statehealthservices #departmentof(v0463) #suicide(s0206) #veteranscommission #texas(v0016) #vitalstatistics&records(s2714)
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Bill Summary · HB 39

Legislative bill overview

HB 39 requires Texas to collect, track, and report data on veteran deaths occurring within the state. The bill establishes a systematic framework for gathering information about the incidence and circumstances of these deaths to create a comprehensive public record.

Why is this important

Veteran suicide and mortality rates have become a significant public health concern, and data collection is essential for understanding the scope of the problem and identifying intervention opportunities. By establishing standardized reporting requirements, Texas can better allocate resources, inform policy decisions, and potentially identify patterns that could help prevent veteran deaths.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Collecting and maintaining detailed death records raises questions about how personal information is protected, secured, and who has access to sensitive data about deceased veterans and their families
  • Data definition and scope: Ambiguity about which deaths should be classified as "veteran deaths" (active duty, former service, specific causes) and what "incidence data" must be collected could lead to implementation inconsistencies
  • Resource requirements: The bill's fiscal impact on state agencies tasked with collecting, managing, and reporting this data may strain existing budgets without dedicated funding allocations

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

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