Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB701

Caption

Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission and to the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The transition of regulatory responsibility is designed to enhance accountability and oversight in the handling of donated bodies. By placing this authority under the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the bill attempts to ensure that the bodies are treated with respect and that the organizations handling them comply with state standards. This could lead to improvements in ethical practices within willed body programs, potentially increasing public trust in these institutions. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions to establish fees associated with receiving and distributing donated bodies, which indicates an effort to fund the regulatory process more sustainably.

Summary

Senate Bill 701, concerning the regulation and management of willed body programs in Texas, proposes significant changes in how these programs are supervised. The bill transfers the regulatory powers from the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas to the Texas Funeral Service Commission and establishes the State Anatomical Advisory Committee. This transition aims to create a more organized oversight mechanism for programs that allow individuals to donate their bodies or anatomical specimens for educational and research purposes. Through this bill, the regulation will potentially result in more streamlined processes for both donors and educational institutions.

Contention

While the bill promotes better regulation of willed body programs, it could generate some contention regarding the establishment of fees for these services. Concerns might arise over the financial implications for educational institutions, particularly those with limited budgets. Additionally, the bill's shift in oversight may lead to worries that the needs and autonomy of individual programs could be overshadowed by broader regulatory frameworks. Stakeholders, especially from educational institutions relying on donations for anatomical studies, may voice apprehensions about how these changes will affect their operations and the accessibility of human specimens for research and education.

Companion Bills

TX HB1565

Same As Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the regulation of willed body programs and non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, and the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; authorizing a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1510

Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the regulation of willed body programs, non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, and anatomical facilities, and the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; requiring registration; authorizing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB2040

TX SB1445

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2517

Relating to the regulation of human body acquisition services and authorized recipients.

TX HB1565

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX SB1577

Relating to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, the Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; increasing a fee; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3878

TX SB1351

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX HB1530

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

TX HB1565

Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the regulation of willed body programs and non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, and the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1510

TX SB2040

TX SB2721

Relating to the deceased, including requirements for donating or claiming bodies or anatomical specimens, the licensing and regulation of persons who provide services or conduct education or research in relation to the deceased, and responsibilities of political subdivisions for certain bodies after death; creating criminal offenses; authorizing administrative penalties; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees.

TX HB5278

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.

CA AB420

The California Cannabis Research Program.