SRC-TJG C.S.H.B. 2185 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 2185
By: Geren (Brimer)
Health & Human Services
5/19/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, if an individual is believed to have been killed in a
catastrophic event but the body or remains are not recovered issuance of a
death certificate is extremely burdensome.  C.S.H.B. 2185 seeks to
streamline the death certificate process in cases of death by catastrophe.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 193, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section
193.010, as follows: 

Sec. 193.010.  CERTIFICATE OF DEATH BY CATASTROPHE.  (a) Defines
"catastrophe." 

(b) Requires a local registrar to issue and file a certificate of death by
catastrophe for a person if certain actions are taken. 

(c) Authorizes the Texas Department of Health to issue a certificate of
death by catastrophe for a minor or a person for whom a guardian has been
appointed who is the subject of a custody or guardianship dispute only if
all parties to the dispute submit an affidavit under Subsection (b). 

(d) Requires an insurer to accept as proof of death of an insured a
certificate of death by catastrophe issued under this section. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.