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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.
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.