H.B. No. 39 aims to enhance the collection and reporting of data regarding veteran deaths in Texas. The bill amends Section 193.006 of the Health and Safety Code by requiring that when a death certificate for a veteran is filed, the department must submit deidentified information to the Texas Veterans Commission. This information includes the manner of death (if by suicide or homicide), age, race, sex, and occupation of the deceased veteran. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the Texas Veterans Commission to prepare and submit an annual report to the legislature and publish it on their website. This report will include aggregated data from the previous year, an evaluation of that data, and any recommendations for legislative or other actions.

The bill establishes a deadline for the Texas Veterans Commission to submit the initial report by September 1, 2027, and it is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The changes aim to improve transparency and understanding of veteran mortality, particularly concerning the circumstances surrounding their deaths, thereby informing potential legislative responses to support veteran health and welfare.

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)