BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2200

By: Hernandez

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) is a proven safe and dignified end-of-life option that respectfully converts human remains into soil, a process that creates less of an environmental impact than conventional burials or cremations. The human body is placed into a controlled vessel, mixed with other natural materials, and over an approximately 45-day process, converted into a soil-like material. Families can choose to keep the soil of their loved ones or donate it for land conservation. The bill author has informed the committee that while this option may not be for everyone, Texans deserve to have the choice. H.B. 2200 seeks to include NOR as a permissible form of disposition of a body under state law.

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Funeral Service Commission in SECTION 5 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2200 amends the Health and Safety Code to authorize the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) to modify cremation procedures and requirements under applicable state law to the extent necessary to allow cremation through natural organic reduction. The bill requires the TFSC to establish by rule the requirements for cremation through natural organic reduction, including rules for the cremation process and for containers used in the process. The bill makes related changes to the definitions of cremated remains or cremains, cremation, cremation chamber, and crematory, for purposes of provisions relating to cemeteries and crematories, as applicable.

H.B. 2200 excepts cremation through natural organic reduction from a requirement for human remains to be placed in a cremation container that is made of combustible materials suitable for cremation, provides a complete covering of the body, is resistant to leakage or spillage, is rigid for easy handling, and protects the health and safety of crematory personnel.

H.B. 2200 amends the Occupations Code to make conforming changes.

H.B. 2200 requires the TFSC to adopt rules to implement the bill's provisions not later than December 1, 2025.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.