Austin, Texas — Senator Tan Parker has filed Senate Bill 1406, legislation to ensure that no unclaimed body in Texas is used for medical or forensic science without explicit consent from the individual or their next of kin.

Recent investigations exposed the way some medical institutions have systematically made use of hundreds of unclaimed bodies without attempting to contact surviving family members. Reports detailed cases where bodies of the poor, homeless, and even veterans were cut apart and leased to medical companies without the knowledge or approval of their families.

“Every Texan deserves dignity in life and death, and the right of families to decide how their loved ones’ remains are handled must be protected,” said Senator Parker. “No family should ever have to worry that the remains of their loved ones could be taken, dismembered, and leased out without any effort to notify the next of kin. This legislation puts an end to that practice once and for all, ensuring Texas law upholds the highest ethical standards and respects the dignity of every individual.”

These investigations have brought to light disturbing gaps in oversight, including cases where body brokers profited from the remains of individuals without family knowledge. S.B. 1406 will be the first of a package of bills filed to establish clear safeguards and oversight to prevent such practices and restore public trust.

S.B. 1406 prohibits the donation of unclaimed bodies to willed body programs, non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, or other entities for medical research unless a written directive from the deceased or informed consent from a legally authorized person is filed with the proper authorities. It also removes existing provisions that allowed unclaimed bodies to be automatically transferred for research purposes.

“This is about the inherent dignity of each individual, protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring no family is left in the dark about their loved ones,” Parker added. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this critical reform.”

For more information, please contact Senator Parker’s office at (512) 463-0112.

###