Texas Senate Bill SB701

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

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.