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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the performance of autopsies on individuals with a |
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history of epilepsy. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 49, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
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amended by adding Subchapter E to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER E. PERFORMANCE OF AUTOPSY ON CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS |
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Art. 49.101. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "epilepsy" |
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has the meaning assigned by Section 40.001, Health and Safety Code. |
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Art. 49.102. AUTOPSY ON INDIVIDUALS WITH HISTORY OF |
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EPILEPSY. (a) A medical examiner or justice of the peace may order |
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an autopsy on the body of a deceased individual with a medical |
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history of epilepsy to determine the individual's cause of death. |
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(b) If the person performing the autopsy determines the |
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individual's death was related to epilepsy, the person may: |
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(1) report the information to the North American SUDEP |
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Registry; and |
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(2) indicate epilepsy as a cause of death on the |
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individual's death certificate. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |