S.B. No. 2721 aims to enhance the licensing and regulation of entities involved in the handling of deceased individuals and anatomical specimens in Texas. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "anatomical specimen" and "donee," while amending existing terms like "body" and "willed body program." It establishes the State Anatomical Advisory Committee to guide the regulation of donees and anatomical facilities and outlines enforcement measures against unauthorized activities related to human bodies and anatomical specimens, which can lead to criminal penalties classified as state jail felonies. The legislation also introduces administrative penalties for violations, requiring the commission to maintain records and develop documentation forms for donations and transfers.

Additionally, the bill amends the Health and Safety Code to allow adults of sound mind to donate their bodies or anatomical specimens through a written instrument, ensuring informed consent is documented and witnessed. It expands the scope of acceptable donees to include accredited educational institutions and forensic science programs, while also allowing donations from out-of-state donors. The bill mandates inspections of donees and anatomical facilities by the commission, establishes new standards for these facilities, and introduces a limitation on liability for individuals acting in good faith. It also repeals several existing provisions within the Health and Safety Code and specifies that changes to donation regulations will apply only to donations executed after the bill's effective date. The Texas Funeral Service Commission is tasked with implementing these changes by March 1, 2026, with the bill set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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 (Occupations Code 651, Health and Safety Code 691, Health and Safety Code 711)
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 (Occupations Code 651, Health and Safety Code 691, Health and Safety Code 711)