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.