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Bill

HB 1300

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

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ray Lopez

Directs Texas to systematically collect and publicly report data on veteran deaths to identify mortality trends and inform policy interventions.

Referred to s/c on Defense & Veterans' Affairs by Speaker
#birth&deathcertificates(s6418) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019) #military&veterans(i0535) #statehealthservices #departmentof(v0463) #veteranscommission #texas(v0016) #vitalstatistics&records(s2714)
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Bill Summary · HB 1300

Legislative bill overview

HB 1300 requires the state to collect, analyze, and report comprehensive data on veteran deaths occurring in Texas, including causes of death, demographics, and relevant circumstances. The bill aims to create a centralized information system to track mortality patterns among the veteran population and make this data publicly accessible.

Why is this important

Veteran suicide and mortality rates have been significant public health concerns, and systematic data collection enables policymakers to identify trends, allocate resources effectively, and develop targeted interventions. Understanding the incidence and causes of veteran deaths helps state agencies, healthcare providers, and support organizations address gaps in mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and other critical care areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Collecting detailed death data requires careful handling of sensitive personal and medical information; questions may arise about data security, anonymization, and appropriate access restrictions
  • Implementation costs: Establishing a new data collection and reporting system requires funding for personnel, infrastructure, and coordination across multiple state agencies and healthcare providers
  • Data standardization: Ensuring consistent and accurate reporting across different counties, medical examiners, and healthcare systems could present significant operational challenges
  • Definitional scope: Determining which deaths qualify for inclusion (service-connected vs. all veteran deaths) and how to verify veteran status may require clarification

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

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