LSL H.B. 2078 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS PUBLIC HEALTH H.B. 2078 By: Naishtat 4-25-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The current Health and Safety Code is ambiguous as to whether a person can provide written directions for the disposition of his or her body, including cremation, prior to death. It is clear that a person can designate another individual to make decisions concerning the disposition of the body, including cremation, but those instructions may be misinterpreted. Funeral homes are uncertain as to whether or not they may follow a deceased person's instructions for the disposition of his or her remains, and are left to rely on survivors to determine how to care for the body. PURPOSE HB 2078 will allow individuals to provide written directions for dispositon of their body, which may include cremation. 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 711.002(g), Health and Safety Code, by adding the words "including cremation" as a form of written direction for disposition of an individual's body. SECTION 2. Emergency Clause. Establishes that the Act take effect upon passage.