HBA-SEP H.B. 1233 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1233 By: Naishtat Judicial Affairs 3/13/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law does not authorize a guardian of the estate of a ward to purchase a prepaid funeral benefits contract, though some probate courts have and do issue orders authorizing a guardian to make such a purchase. However, this option may not be available in all courts exercising probate jurisdiction and guardians and attorneys may be unaware of the court's willingness to approve the purchase. House Bill 1233 amends the Texas Probate Code to authorize a guardian of the estate of a ward, if the guardian deems it is in the best interest of the estate and is authorized by an order of the court, to purchase a prepaid funeral benefits contract. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1233 amends the Texas Probate Code to authorize a guardian of the estate of a ward, if the guardian deems it is in the best interest of the estate and is authorized by an order of the court, to purchase a prepaid funeral benefits contract. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.