Requesting the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker to create a joint interim committee to study suicide prevention in Texas.

89(R) HCR 62 - Introduced version - Bill Text

89R12644 KRT-D

By: Hunter

H.C.R. No. 62

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Suicide rates rose across the United States from

2000 to 2022, and the State of Texas saw a nearly 37 percent

increase during that period; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the

nation, claiming more than 48,000 lives in 2021 alone, and data

indicates that the number and rate of suicides in the U.S. increased

by more than four percent from 2020 to 2021; moreover, there are

millions of adults who have seriously considered or attempted

suicide, and the stigma associated with mental health conditions

often prevents these individuals from seeking the care they need;

and

WHEREAS, There has also been an alarming increase in the

number of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide in Texas

correctional institutions, with little understanding of what the

cause might be; and

WHEREAS, While the social impact of these deaths is

undeniable but difficult to quantify, the economic toll of suicide

on society is clear, with suicides and suicide attempts totaling

hundreds of billions of dollars in medical and work-loss costs; and

WHEREAS, All 50 states have a suicide prevention plan, but

most states, including Texas, do not require suicide prevention

training for health care professionals; evidence shows that states

and communities can do more to identify and support people at risk

of suicide by teaching coping skills, promoting safe and supportive

environments, and connecting people to effective and coordinated

mental and physical health care; and

WHEREAS, Suicide is a public health issue of vital importance

to all Texans, and the development of suicide prevention strategies

would help to save lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas

hereby request the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House

of Representatives to create a joint interim committee to study

suicide prevention in Texas, including in Texas correctional

institutions; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be

governed by such general rules and policies for interim committees

as the 89th Texas Legislature may adopt; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee shall submit a full report,

including findings and recommendations, to the 90th Texas

Legislature before it convenes in January 2027.