H.B. 2185 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2185
By: Geren
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)
      


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, if an individual is believed to have been killed in a
catastrophic event and their body is not found, issuance of a death
certificate is extremely burdensome.  Only after an extended period of
time, or through litigation, is a death certificate finally issued. 

H.B. 2185 seeks to streamline the death certificate process in cases of
death by catastrophe when a body is not found.  A more timely process will
allow closure for families and will eliminate excessive state
requirements.  

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. 

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2185 amends Chapter 193, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
193.010.  This section defines catastrophe and explains the conditions
under which a person can be considered deceased by catastrophe.  Under
H.B. 2185 an insurer is required to accept as proof of death of an
insured, a certificate of death by catastrophe. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003