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HB 155

Relating to the confidentiality of certain autopsy records.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Richard Raymond

HB 155 restricts public access to autopsy records in Texas by designating certain records as confidential, affecting transparency in death investigations.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#autopsies(s8855) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208)
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Bill Summary · HB 155

Legislative bill overview

HB 155 modifies Texas law to restrict public access to certain autopsy records, making them confidential under specified circumstances. The bill was introduced by Representative Richard Raymond and is currently under review by the Criminal Justice Committee. The exact scope of confidentiality protections depends on provisions not detailed in the action log provided.

Why is this important

Autopsy records involve sensitive medical and personal information about deceased individuals and their families. Balancing public transparency—particularly in cases involving law enforcement or public figures—against family privacy and dignity is a recurring policy tension in death investigation procedures.

Potential points of contention

  • Family privacy vs. public records access: Whether expanded confidentiality appropriately protects grieving families or improperly shields information the public has a legitimate interest in accessing
  • Scope ambiguity: Which autopsies qualify for confidentiality protection (medical examiners only? all coroners? specific cause-of-death categories?) and whether the definition is sufficiently clear
  • Accountability concerns: Whether confidentiality restrictions could limit scrutiny of police-involved deaths, medical malpractice, or other cases where transparency serves oversight functions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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