Texas Senate Bill SB713

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

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.