S.B. No. 2721 introduces comprehensive regulations for the donation and use of bodies and anatomical specimens in Texas by establishing Chapter 691A in the Health and Safety Code. This chapter includes the creation of a State Anatomical Advisory Committee, licensing requirements for anatomical suppliers and researchers, and mandates background checks for license applicants. The Texas Funeral Service Commission is tasked with administering these regulations, which include regular inspections of anatomical suppliers and researchers, the development of public information on anatomical gifts, and a process for filing complaints. The bill emphasizes informed consent for donations, prohibits the disposal of specimens as medical waste, and outlines the responsibilities of researchers and suppliers in the handling of these materials.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the hierarchy of individuals authorized to consent to anatomical donations after a donor's death and establishes licensing requirements for willed body programs. It introduces new provisions for the renewal of licenses, mandates proper transportation and labeling of specimens, and outlines penalties for violations of the established rules. The bill also repeals the previous Chapter 691 and sets a timeline for the implementation of the new regulations, with certain sections taking effect on January 1, 2026. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance oversight and ensure ethical practices in the handling of human remains for educational and research purposes.

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, Health and Safety Code 711, Government Code 411, 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, Health and Safety Code 711, Government Code 411, Occupations Code 651)