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.