SB975 - Relating to a study on the prevalence and tracking of heat-related deaths in this state.

  89R8087 KRM-D     By: Eckhardt S.B. No. 975       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a study on the prevalence and tracking of heat-related   deaths in this state.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  (a) In this section, "department" means the   Department of State Health Services.          (b)  The department, in collaboration with the Dell Medical   School at The University of Texas at Austin, shall conduct a study   on the prevalence of heat-related deaths and the ability of   counties to track those deaths.          (c)  In conducting the study, the department shall:                (1)  determine existing resources available to   counties to track heat-related deaths;                (2)  determine the resources necessary to assist   counties in preventing, tracking, and reporting heat-related   deaths;                (3)  identify barriers counties face in tracking and   reporting heat-related deaths; and                (4)  gather any additional information necessary to   identify factors contributing to heat-related deaths and criteria   distinguishing a heat-related death from other natural causes of   death.          (d)  The department may collaborate with medical examiners   and other relevant personnel in conducting the study.          (e)  Not later than December 1, 2026, the department shall   submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the   house of representatives, and each standing legislative committee   with primary jurisdiction over public health and safety a written   report that includes:                (1)  a summary of the results of the study conducted   under this section; and                (2)  any recommendations for legislative or other   action.          (f)  This section expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.