Texas HB3357 revises cremation authorization procedures in counties with medical examiners.

Texas HB3357 amends the Health and Safety Code to specify that crematory establishments cannot cremate human remains without a signed cremation authorization form, a death certificate, and a certificate from the medical examiner. The medical examiner must either examine the remains and certify an inquest is unnecessary, choose not to examine the remains and authorize cremation, or hold an inquest and authorize cremation. The bill also modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure to detail when a medical examiner must hold an inquest. HB3357 takes effect September 1, 2025.

Texas HB3357 revises cremation authorization procedures in counties with medical examiners.

Texas HB3357 amends the Health and Safety Code to specify that crematory establishments cannot cremate human remains without a signed cremation authorization form, a death certificate, and a certificate from the medical examiner. The medical examiner must either examine the remains and certify an inquest is unnecessary, choose not to examine the remains and authorize cremation, or hold an inquest and authorize cremation. The bill also modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure to detail when a medical examiner must hold an inquest. HB3357 takes effect September 1, 2025.