Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 587 amends provisions of the Health and Safety Code and the Occupations Code relating to the cremation of human remains and the operation of crematories. The bill includes provisions relating to the location of crematories; waiting period and authorization requirements for cremation; procedures for the receipt, identification, release, and disposition of remains; dispute resolution; liability; and recordkeeping requirements. House Bill 587 also establishes licensing requirements for conducting a crematory business and requires that each license holder submit an annual report to the Texas Funeral Service Commission on the number of cremations performed. The bill makes it a Class B misdemeanor offense to cremate human remains without proper authorization, to knowingly sign a false or incorrect cremation authorization, or for a person to represent to the public that the person may perform cremation without being licensed.

House Bill 587 takes effect September 1, 2003, except for provisions relating to the repeal of limitations on crematory construction and operation, which take effect January 1, 2004.