Texas Senate Bill SB2721

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/13/25

Caption

Relating to the licensing and regulation of persons who provide services in relation to the deceased; creating a criminal offense and increasing the punishment for an existing criminal offense; expanding the application of a fee.

Impact

One of the significant changes introduced by SB2721 includes the requirement for all organizations involved in the acquisition and processing of human bodies and anatomical specimens to operate under a license granted by the Texas Funeral Service Commission. This aims to ensure that all such facilities adhere to stringent operational standards, contributing to better oversight in matters relating to the deceased. The bill also introduces heightened responsibilities for maintaining records, verifying compliance with operational standards, and regulatory inspections at these organizations to guarantee their adherence to state laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 2721 aims to enhance the regulatory framework concerning the licensing of individuals and organizations providing services related to deceased individuals in Texas. The bill addresses various aspects of licensing and operational standards for willed body programs, human body acquisition services, and non-transplant anatomical donation organizations. It establishes definitions that broaden the applicability of these terms under the Health and Safety Code, particularly focusing on aspects that pertain to educational and research practices related to human anatomy.

Contention

The legislation has generated discussions regarding the balance between adequate regulation and accessibility for educational institutions that rely on anatomical donations. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential bureaucratic hurdles that could arise from mandatory licensing and inspections, which may make it more challenging for educational programs to acquire necessary specimens for research and teaching purposes. Furthermore, the bill's provisions on criminal penalties for violations raise significant questions about enforcement and the implications for organizations that may inadvertently fall short of compliance.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 691. Donation Of Bodies And Anatomical Specimens
  • Section: 001
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 011
  • Section: 022
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 002
  • Section: 012
  • Section: 034
  • Section: 035

• Chapter 692a. Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
  • Section: 002
  • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

• Chapter 651. Crematory Services, Funeral Directing, And Embalming
  • Section: New Section