S.B. No. 2721 establishes new regulations for the donation and use of bodies and anatomical specimens in Texas by creating Chapter 691A in the Health and Safety Code. This chapter introduces a State Anatomical Advisory Committee, mandates the licensing of anatomical suppliers and researchers, and outlines the Texas Funeral Service Commission's responsibilities in administering these regulations. Key provisions include the requirement for informed consent for donations, the prohibition of using specimens for unauthorized purposes, and the establishment of specific licensing requirements, including good professional character and compliance with operational standards. The bill also emphasizes transparency by requiring the commission to publish complaint contact information and maintain an information file on complaints.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the responsibilities of state officials regarding unclaimed bodies and introduces penalties for violations. It specifies a hierarchy of individuals authorized to consent to body donations and mandates that consent be documented and witnessed. The bill repeals Chapter 691 of the Health and Safety Code, allowing the commission to dismiss complaints under certain conditions and requiring the adoption of new rules by March 1, 2026. The effective date for the new regulations is set for September 1, 2025, with some provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance ethical practices and regulatory oversight in the handling of anatomical donations and research.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 691.001, Health and Safety Code 691.002, Health and Safety Code 691.010, Health and Safety Code 691.011, Health and Safety Code 691.012, Health and Safety Code 691.022, Health and Safety Code 691.023, Health and Safety Code 691.025, Health and Safety Code 691.028, Health and Safety Code 691.030, Health and Safety Code 691.031, Health and Safety Code 691.033, Health and Safety Code 691.034, Health and Safety Code 691.035, Health and Safety Code 711.002, Health and Safety Code 711.008, Occupations Code 651.202 (Health and Safety Code 691, Health and Safety Code 711, Occupations Code 651)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 691.001, Health and Safety Code 691.002, Health and Safety Code 691.010, Health and Safety Code 691.011, Health and Safety Code 691.012, Health and Safety Code 691.022, Health and Safety Code 691.023, Health and Safety Code 691.026, Health and Safety Code 691.028, Health and Safety Code 691.030, Health and Safety Code 691.031, Health and Safety Code 691.032, Health and Safety Code 691.033, Health and Safety Code 691.034, Health and Safety Code 691.035, Health and Safety Code 711.002, Occupations Code 651.005, Occupations Code 651.202 (Health and Safety Code 691, Health and Safety Code 711, Occupations Code 651)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 691.001, Health and Safety Code 691.002, Health and Safety Code 691.010, Health and Safety Code 691.011, Health and Safety Code 691.012, Health and Safety Code 691.022, Health and Safety Code 691.023, Health and Safety Code 691.026, Health and Safety Code 691.028, Health and Safety Code 691.030, Health and Safety Code 691.031, Health and Safety Code 691.032, Health and Safety Code 691.033, Health and Safety Code 691.034, Health and Safety Code 691.035, Health and Safety Code 711.002, Occupations Code 651.005, Occupations Code 651.202, Government Code 411.12507 (Health and Safety Code 691, Government Code 411, Health and Safety Code 711, Occupations Code 651)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 711.002, Occupations Code 651.005, Occupations Code 651.202, Occupations Code 651.407, Government Code 411.12507 (Health and Safety Code 691, Government Code 411, Health and Safety Code 711, Occupations Code 651)