SRC-DBM C.S.H.B. 2301 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 2301 76R14514 MCK-DBy: Farabee (Moncrief) Intergovernmental Relations 5/6/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.H.B. 2301 would set forth provisions for disposing of the body of a deceased pauper. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.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, including the religious affiliation of the deceased pauper, provided by a person listed in Section 711.002(a). Deletes text requiring the commissioners court of each county to provide for the interment or cremation of paupers and text 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. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends Section 694.002, Health and Safety Code, to require the commissioners court to consider any information, including the religious affiliation of the deceased pauper, provided by a person listed in Section 711.002(a).