Texas Statutes
Subchapter A. General Provisions
Section 716.004. Waiting Period for Cremation

Sec. 716.004. WAITING PERIOD FOR CREMATION. (a) A crematory establishment may not cremate human remains within 48 hours of the time of death indicated on a death certificate unless the waiting period is waived in writing by:
(1) a justice of the peace or medical examiner of the county in which the death occurred; or
(2) a court order.
(b) A justice of the peace or medical examiner's office authorized to grant a waiver under Subsection (a) shall adopt a written policy for requesting a waiver under Subsection (a). In adopting the written policy, the justice of the peace or medical examiner's office shall consider how a person makes a request, and how the justice of the peace or medical examiner may process the request as quickly as possible. The written policy must outline the process of making a request for a waiver under Subsection (a) during regular business hours and outside of regular business hours, including on a weekend day or holiday.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 178, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 263 (H.B. 1468), Sec. 33(1), eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 237 (S.B. 292), Sec. 1, eff. May 29, 2015.

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