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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of the farmer mental health and suicide |
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prevention program. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 12, Agriculture Code, is amended by |
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adding Section 12.051 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 12.051. FARMER MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION |
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PROGRAM. (a) The department shall establish a farmer mental health |
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and suicide prevention program to raise awareness among farmers of |
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issues relating to mental health and suicide prevention. |
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(b) As part of the program, the department shall: |
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(1) promote suicide prevention among farmers through a |
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public awareness campaign; |
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(2) provide a toll-free telephone hotline for farmer |
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mental health assistance; |
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(3) develop a mental wellness plan for farmers |
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affected by a disaster; and |
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(4) coordinate suicide prevention activities with |
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other state agencies, including the Department of State Health |
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Services. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |