Bill: HB 3265, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
Companion Bill
SB 1630
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Donna Howard
Bill Caption
Relating to cemeteries.
Bill Analysis
HB 3265 would statutorily define several terms including "abandoned cemetery", "unidentified grave", "unknown cemetery", and "unmarked grave". This bill would allow a justice of the peace acting as a coroner or medical
examiner to investigate or remove remains from unmarked graves in an abandoned
or unverified cemetery without written order of the state registrar. Next, the
Texas Historical Commission, with consent of the landowner, would be allowed to
investigate a suspected but unverified cemetery. Finally, a procedure for
notice of an unverified cemetery would be established along with procedures for a landowner response and a final determination of the status of the unverified cemetery.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports property rights by ensuring that the investigation of an unverified cemetery on private land requires the consent of the landowner. We support this bill.
