Relating to investigative and laboratory tests and processes conducted with respect to unidentified human remains.
Impact
If enacted, SB713 would significantly impact state laws regarding the handling of unidentified human remains. The updated provisions emphasize the importance of thorough forensic investigation and identification processes, ultimately aiming to reduce the number of unidentified cases in Texas. By centralizing powers related to these investigations under the medical examination framework, the bill seeks to standardize practices across various jurisdictions, ensuring that cases are approached with the necessary rigor and consistency appropriate for sensitive investigations. The bill also stipulates that all findings must be reported to the district attorney or relevant authorities, promoting accountability and thorough documentation of investigations.
Summary
SB713 seeks to enhance the procedures for investigating unidentified human remains by amending various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill aims to empower medical examiners and justices of the peace to conduct necessary investigative and laboratory tests on unidentified bodies. This includes the authority to collect DNA samples, which are crucial for identifying deceased persons and determining the cause of death. The intent is to streamline processes and provide clear guidelines for handling cases involving human remains whose identities are unknown, thereby aiding law enforcement in resolving these cases more efficiently.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB713 may involve concerns about privacy and the potential implications of DNA collection from unidentified remains. While the aim is to facilitate identification, there could be discussions on ethical considerations regarding how DNA is managed and stored post-analysis. Furthermore, questions regarding the resources and training available to medical examiners and their deputies to carry out the enhanced investigative procedures may arise. Stakeholders might express differing opinions on the balance between efficient identification processes versus ensuring respect for the remains and rights of the deceased.
Relating to the duties of a justice of the peace, medical examiner, or other investigator regarding the bodies of unidentified deceased persons and to the control by certain persons of the disposition of a deceased person's remains.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to certain Title IV-D cases and other cases with respect to child support or Title IV-D agency services and to practices and procedures for the operation of the Title IV-D agency.
Relating to certain Title IV-D cases and other cases with respect to child support or Title IV-D agency services and to practices and procedures for the operation of the Title IV-D agency.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the creation of offices of District Attorney for the Northeast Texas, Central Texas, Southeast Texas, and South Texas Regions and the powers and duties of and related to such officers.
Relating to the creation of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Regional Administrative Judicial Districts, the creation of the office of regional district attorney for each district, and the powers and duties of regional district attorneys.
Jefferson Co., Tenth Judicial Circuit, Bessemer Division, add'l assistant district attorney provided for, approval by Jefferson County Commission, Sec. 45-37-82.01 am'd.