Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1544 by Dawson (Relating to removal of corneal tissue from a decedent; providing penalties. ), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill repeals Subchapter B, Chapter 693, Health and Safety Code, which defines circumstances under which corneal tissue may be removed from a decedent and identifies persons who may object to such removal. The bill also repeals Subchapter B, Section 521.405, Transportation Code, which relates to the actions of organ or tissue procurement organizations and medical examiners regarding organ or tissue donation. The bill adds language authorizing certain officials to permit removal of corneal tissue from a decedent. The bill would authorize the Attorney General to sue to collect civil penalties from a person who removes corneal tissue from a decedent knowing that a gift authorizing the removal has not been made or from a person who accepts corneal tissues removed from a decedent knowing a gift authorizing the removal has not been made. The Office of the Attorney General does not anticipate any fiscal impact from the provisions of the bill.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
302 Office of the Attorney General, 537 Department of State Health Services