SRC-DBM H.B. 2301 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2301 76R9921 MCK-DBy: Farabee (Moncrief) Intergovernmental Relations 5/3/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the cremation of a pauper is prohibited if a relative or friend expresses objection to cremation. However, if the person objecting to the cremation does not take financial responsibility for a more expensive ground burial, then the county must pay for the burial. H.B. 2301 would set forth provisions for disposing of the body of a deceased pauper. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2301 sets forth provisions for disposing of the body of a deceased pauper. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Commissioners Court in SECTION 1 (Section 694.002(a), Health and Safety Code) of this bill. 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 PAUPERS. Requires the commissioners court of each county to provide for the disposition of the body of a deceased pauper. Authorizes the commissioners court to adopt rules to implement this section. Requires the commissioners court to consider any information provided by a person listed in Section 711.002(a). Deletes text requiring the commissioners court of each county to provide for the internment or cremation of paupers and prohibiting a pauper from being cremated if a relative or friend expresses objection to this procedure. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3.Emergency clause.