BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 881

By: Bell, Cecil

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that the parental right to view a deceased child before an autopsy is performed does not apply to a parent of a deceased person who is 18 years of age or older. There are concerns that such parents are not always given an opportunity to view their child's body. H.B. 881 seeks to address this issue by entitling a parent of a deceased person to view the person's body before an autopsy is performed, regardless of the person's age.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 881 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to extend the right of a parent of a deceased person younger than 18 years of age to view the person's body before an autopsy is performed to a parent of a deceased person of any age.

H.B. 881 repeals Article 49.51(1), Code of Criminal Procedure.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.