S.B. 1419 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 1419 By: Janek Public Health Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) lacks provisions for the receipt of anatomical specimens. In addition, current law provides a parallel way for anatomical material to be donated to certain persons and entities. As proposed, S.B. 1419 authorizes the board to accept anatomical specimens and gives the board authority over bodies or specimens donated directly to schools. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Board of Health in SECTION 5 (Section 691.022 , Health and Safety Code) and SECTION 8 (Section 691.031) of this bill. ANALYSIS SB 1419 requires the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) to keep identification records of each body donated to the board and of each body or anatomical specimen distributed by the board. The bill requires the board or the board's representative to distribute bodies donated to it and authorizes the board or the board's representative to redistribute bodies donated to medical or dental schools or other donees authorized by the board to certain schools, colleges, and persons. SB 1419 requires the board, in making the distribution, to give priority to certain schools. The bill authorizes the board to transport a body or anatomical specimen to an authorized recipient in another state if the board determines that the supply of bodies or anatomical specimens in this state exceeds the need for bodies or anatomical specimens in this state and if other conditions apply. The bill authorizes certain persons to be donees of gifts of bodies or of parts of bodies. Requires the board to be the donee of gifts of bodies or parts of bodies made for education or research, which are subject to distribution by the board under Chapter 691. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003