By:  Dawson, Coleman                                              H.B. No. 1544



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to removal of corneal tissue from a decedent.                        
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 693, Health and Safety  
Code, is amended by adding Section 693.006 to read as follows:
	Sec. 693.006.  REMOVAL OF CORNEAL TISSUE.  On a request from 
an eye bank, as defined in Section 692.002, the medical examiner, 
justice of the peace, county judge, or physician designated by the 
justice of the peace or county judge may permit the removal of 
corneal tissue subject to the same provisions that apply to removal 
of a visceral organ on the request of an organ procurement 
organization under this subchapter.  The provisions of this 
subchapter relating to immunity and consent apply to the removal of 
the corneal tissue.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter B, Chapter 693, Health and Safety  
Code, is repealed. 
	SECTION 3.  This Act applies only to removal of corneal 
tissue on or after September 1, 2005.  Removal of corneal tissue 
before September 1, 2005, is governed by the law in effect 
immediately before that date, and that law is continued in effect 
for that purpose.
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.