Texas House Bill HB1843

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by House: 4/30/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Report Pass: 5/20/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the disposition of cash in possession of a deceased pauper.

Impact

In addition to allowing counties to use the cash found to offset burial and disposal costs, the bill mandates that any residual funds remaining after the expenses are settled are to be held in trust. This ensures that valid claims to the money may still be honored, as individuals or entities with claims to the funds must exercise their rights within a year of the pauper's body being disposed of.

Summary

House Bill 1843 addresses the management of cash found in the possession of deceased paupers by Texas counties. The bill facilitates counties to utilize any discovered cash to cover the costs associated with the disposition of the deceased pauper's body. This provision is particularly aimed at ensuring that counties are able to manage the financial burden of providing services for those who die without means or claimed resources.

Contention

The legislation also permits counties to establish a dedicated fund to assist with future costs related to the disposal of deceased paupers. This fund can be bolstered by funds that remain unclaimed after the one-year period for claims has elapsed. While the bill seems to provide a structured approach to manage deceased paupers' finances, it may raise questions regarding due process for potential claimants and the degree to which counties handle the financial aspects of pauper burials.

Notable points

Overall, HB1843 addresses a sensitive area of public health and local governance while outlining fiscal responsibilities for counties. By establishing clear regulations for both the usage of found cash and the establishment of trust funds, this bill could streamline procedures related to pauper burials, although it may necessitate county-level administrative adjustments to accommodate these new processes.