Sec. 714.001. DEPTH OF GRAVES; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) The body of a decedent may not be buried in a manner so that the outside top surface of the container of the body is:
(1) less than two feet below the surface of the ground if the container is not made of an impermeable material; or
(2) less than 1-1/2 feet below the surface of the ground if the container is made of an impermeable material.
(b) The governing body of a political subdivision of this state may, because of subsurface soil conditions or other relevant considerations, permit, by ordinance or rule, burials in that political subdivision at a shallower depth than that required by Subsection (a).
(c) This section does not apply to burials in a sealed surface reinforced concrete burial vault.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person buries the body of a decedent in violation of this section or in violation of an ordinance or rule adopted under this section.
(e) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $200.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 8 - Death and Disposition of the Body
Subtitle C - Cemeteries and Crematories
Chapter 714 - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Cemeteries
Section 714.001. Depth of Graves; Criminal Penalty
Section 714.002. Limitation on Location of Feed or Slaughter Pens Near Cemetery
Section 714.003. Abandoned Plots in Private Cemeteries
Section 714.004. Removal of Remains From Abandoned Cemetery in County of at Least 525,000