Tex. Occupations Code § 651.456 (2): UNETHICAL CONDUCT REGARDING CUSTODY OF DEAD HUMAN BODY.

Text of section effective on April 01, 2027

A person violates this chapter if the person:

(1) takes custody of a dead human body without the permission of:

(A) the person or the agent of the person authorized to make funeral arrangements for the deceased; or

(B) a medical examiner or a justice of the peace who has jurisdiction over the body under Subchapter B, Chapter 49A, Code of Criminal Procedure;

(2) refuses to promptly surrender a dead human body to a person or agent authorized to make funeral arrangements for the deceased; or

(3) violates any state law governing the transportation, storage, refrigeration, inurnment, interment, or disinterment of a dead human body.

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 562, Sec. 27, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 202 (H.B. 1610), Sec. 2.19, eff. April 1, 2027.