| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to expedited death certificates for religious purposes in certain countries.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 1011 would allow medical examiners in certain counties to provide an expedited death certificate in certain instances. HB 1011 would allow an individual to submit to the filer of death certificates a written request to expedite the completion of the decedent's death certificate so long as the expedited completion is necessary for religious purposes; the decedent's remains will be laid to rest in a foreign country; and the requestor is authorized to obtain a copy of the death certificate.
Upon receiving this request, a copy of the death certificate would be issued not later than 48 hours after the request is received, unless an inquest will be conducted for the decedent. To complete an expedited death certificate, a medical examiner would be allowed to perform a medical examination, and complete the medical certification so long as the medical examiner has access to the decedent's medical history relevant to the death, the decedent's death is due to natural causes, and the medical examiner serves as medical examiner of the county in which the death occurred.
Many religions have certain requirements for when a person is to be interred and to the proper procedures surrounding a death. This would institute standardized regulations to protect legitimate government interests around this process while giving individuals the option to ensure that their loved ones are laid to rest appropriately in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs. This benefits the principles of individual liberty and limited government. Texas Action supports HB 1011.