SRC-AAA H.B. 1860 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1860
By: Hirschi (Haywood)
Jurisprudence
4-18-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Presently, cremation of a pauper is prohibited if a relative or friend
expresses objection to this procedure.  However, if the person objecting
to cremation does not take financial responsibility for the ground burial,
the county must pay for the burial.  Burials are more expensive than
cremation.  
This bill requires the commissioners court of each county to provide for
the disposition of the body of a deceased pauper. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1860 requires the commissioners court of each county to
provide for the disposition of the body of a deceased pauper. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 694.002, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

Sec. 694.002. New heading: DUTY OF COMMISSIONERS COURT CONCERNING
DISPOSITION OF BODY OF DECEASED PAUPER. Requires the commissioners court
of each county to provide for the disposition of the body of a deceased
pauper.  Deletes a provision regarding cremation of a pauper. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.