H.B. No. 39 amends Section 193.006 of the Health and Safety Code to enhance the collection and reporting of data regarding veteran deaths in Texas. The bill mandates that when a death certificate for a veteran is filed, the department will submit deidentified information to the Texas Veterans Commission, including details on the manner of death (if by suicide or homicide), age, race, sex, and occupation. This replaces the previous requirement for the state registrar to notify the Texas Veterans Commission.

Additionally, the bill requires the Texas Veterans Commission to prepare and submit an annual report by December 1 each year, starting in 2027. This report will include aggregated data from the previous year, an evaluation of that data, and any recommendations for legislative or other actions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 193.006 (Health and Safety Code 193)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 193.006 (Health and Safety Code 193)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 193.006 (Health and Safety Code 193)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 193.006 (Health and Safety Code 193)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 193.006 (Health and Safety Code 193)