BWH H.B. 1860 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


COUNTY AFFAIRS
H.B. 1860
By: Hirschi
3-21-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Presently in Texas, cremation of a pauper is prohibited if a relative or
friend expresses objection to this procedure.  However, if the person
objecting to the cremation does not take on the financial responsibility
for the ground burial, the county must pay for the burial.  Burials are
more expensive than cremation.  

PURPOSE

HB 1860 will allow a county to cremate the deceased pauper, which is less
expensive than a ground burial.      

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 694.002, Health and Safety Code, to authorize
the commissioners court of each county to provide for the disposition of
the body of a deceased pauper. 

SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect on September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3.  Emergency Clause.