SB 2023 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the establishment of a grant program to support the disposition of deceased paupers' bodies.

This bill establishes a state grant program to help counties cover burial or cremation costs for deceased individuals who were indigent (paupers) and had no means to pay for final disposition. The Health and Human Services Commission will administer the program, using funds from a dedicated account (supported by state appropriations, donations, and interest) to provide grants to counties. These grants specifically cover costs for handling unclaimed bodies and managing related county burial activities. The program takes effect September 1, 2025, directly supporting local governments and ensuring basic dignity for unclaimed deceased.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 6, 2025 Last action May 19, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Apr 16, 2025

How they voted

228
Passed
Total votes 30
Apr 16, 2025
D Democratic10
10 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican20
12 Yea 8 Nay
60% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
21
Key actions
6
Committee
6
Apr 16, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (22-8)
senate
Apr 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Apr 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
Apr 10, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Health & Human Services
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors