Bill

SB 1214

84(R) - 2015
Senate Health & Human Services
Senate Health & Human Services
Health & Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Van Taylor

Bill Caption

Relating to the use of human remains for forensic science education, including the training of search and rescue animals.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The fiscal impact to an applicable local governments or an institution that chose to accept
anatomical specimens for the use of training search and rescue animals or forensic science education would vary depending on the number of instances a specimen was received and the transportation costs incurred.

There may be costs to local governments for retaining the unclaimed body of a traveler for six months. The Webb County Medical Examiner would require an additional staff member and a portable morgue to implement the provisions of the bill. The department reported that there would be a total cost of $191,600, which would have a significant fiscal impact on the department.

Bill Analysis

There is currently no law in place authorizing human remains to be released for forensic science education and law enforcement dog training. SB 1214 would require the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas to amend release forms to incorporate the option of donated bodies being utilized for forensic science and search and rescue training purposes.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Expanding the utilization of donated human remains to include forensic science and law enforcement search and rescue purposes provides law enforcement and medical professionals with additional resources to enhance their education and/or their organization's mission. Ultimately this can help in the process of investigating and prosecuting crimes which is clearly within the legitimate domain of a limited government. We support SB 1214.