LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 10, 2003

TO:	Honorable Jaime Capelo, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1077 by Jones, Jesse (Relating to removal of remains interred in a cemetery. ), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code regarding the removal of remains interred in a cemetery. The bill would require the written consent of the cemetery organization, written consent of the current plot owners, and a list of persons identified in priority order, when removing remains interred in a cemetery even when the remains interred would be removed from one plot to another within the same cemetery. The Act would take effect on September 1, 2003.

The Texas Department of Health indicates that currently, although it is not a requirement, disinterment permits are often requested when remains interred in a cemetery are removed from one plot to another within the same cemetery.  Currently, a disinterment permit is required when the remains interred are to be removed from the cemetery to another location. The department indicates that the bill would have no significant fiscal impact.  

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:	501 Department of Health
LBB Staff:	JK, EB