TITLE: Relating to the cremation of human remains by alkaline hydrolysis.

SUMMARY: Relating to the cremation of human remains by alkaline hydrolysis.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the cremation of human remains by alkaline hydrolysis. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 711.001(7) and (8), Health and Safety Code, are amended to read as follows: (7) "Cremation" means the irreversible process of reducing human remains to essential elements, including bone fragments,through extreme heat and evaporation or through alkaline hydrolysis. The process [ which] may include the processing or the pulverization of bone fragments. (8) "Crematory" means a structure containing a furnace or alkaline hydrolysis vessel used or intended to be used for the cremation of human remains. The term includes a facility that cremates human remains through alkaline hydrolysis. SECTION 2. Section 716.001(5), Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (5) "Cremation" means the irreversible process of reducing human remains to essential elements, including bone fragments,through direct flame, extreme heat, and evaporation or through alkaline hydrolysis.The term may include pulverization, which is the process of reducing identifiable bone fragments after cremation and processing granulated particles by manual or mechanical means. SECTION 3. Section 716.002, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 716.002. CREMATION RULES. (a) The commission may adopt rules consistent with this chapter and Chapter 651, Occupations Code, to govern the cremation of human remains. (b) Notwithstanding this chapter and Chapter 651, Occupations Code, the commission may modify cremation procedures and requirements under Subchapter Dto the extent necessary to allow cremation through alkaline hydrolysis. SECTION 4. Section 651.001(3), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (3) "Crematory" means a structure containing a furnace or alkaline hydrolysis vessel used or intended to be used for the cremation of human remains. The term includes a facility that cremates human remains through alkaline hydrolysis. SECTION 5. Section 651.651(1), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (1) "Cremation" means the irreversible process of reducing human remains to essential elements, including bone fragments,through direct flame, extreme heat, and evaporation or through alkaline hydrolysis.The term may include pulverization, which is the process of reducing identifiable bone fragments after cremation and processing granulated particles by manual or mechanical means. SECTION 6. Not later than December 1, 2017, the Texas Funeral Service Commission shall adopt rules to implement the changes in law made by this Act. SECTION 7. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.