LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 7, 2003

TO:	Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1225 by Nelson (Relating to the removal of a body part or tissue from decedent who died under circumstances requiring an inquest.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code relating to the removal of a body part or tissue from a decedent who died under circumstances requiring an inquest. The Justice of the Peace would be added as an authorized decision-maker to permit the removal of organs for decedents who died under circumstances requiring an inquest if consent is obtained.        

The bill would take effect July 1, 2003, if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all members of each house; otherwise, it would take effect on September 1, 2003. Provisions of the bill would apply only to an inquest conducted on or after the effective date.

Current law authorizes only a medical examiner to make determinations regarding removal of a body part or tissue for a decedent who died under circumstances requiring an inquest. Adding this to the duties that may be performed by a Justice of the Peace is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact on units of local government.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

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