SB 2953

Abstract

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that fees for a coroner's or medical examiner's permit to cremate a human body is $100 (rather than $50). Provides that fees for a certified copy of a transcript of sworn testimony of a coroner's inquest made by written request declaring the request is for research or genealogy purposes is $15.00 for the entire transcript. Provides that a request shall be deemed a proper request for purpose of research or genealogy if the requested inquest occurred not less than 20 years prior to the date of the written request and that the transcript shall be stamped with the words "FOR GENEALOGY OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY". Provides that a coroner may waive, at his or her discretion, fees under the Section (currently, only the cremation permit fee) if the coroner determines that the person is indigent and unable to pay the permit fee or under other special circumstances as determined by the coroner. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill but removes provisions regarding fees for a coroner's inquest transcript requested for research or genealogy purposes and the waiver of those fees. Effective July 1, 2023.