House Bill No. 5389 proposes the establishment of a grant program aimed at supporting the disposition of deceased paupers' bodies in Texas. The bill amends Chapter 694 of the Health and Safety Code by adding Section 694.004, which empowers the Health and Human Services Commission to create a deceased paupers grant program. This program will allow the Commission to award grants from a newly established deceased paupers grant account to counties, specifically for covering costs associated with the proper disposal of deceased paupers' bodies and for administering related activities.

The bill outlines the funding sources for the deceased paupers grant account, which will include legislative appropriations, donations, and interest earned on the account's investments. It also stipulates that the funds can only be used for awarding grants and administering the program. Additionally, if the program is developed, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is required to adopt rules for its administration. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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