SB 975

relating to a study on the prevalence and tracking of heat-related
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
(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
(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
(1)  a summary of the results of the study conducted
(2)  any recommendations for legislative or other
(f)  This section expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.