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Bill

SB 1973

Relating to the regulation of human body acquisition services and authorized recipients.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Lois Kolkhorst

SB 1973 establishes state licensing and regulatory authority over entities acquiring human bodies or body parts, defining permissible recipients and operational standards.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#funeralservicecommission #texas(v0004) #health--general(i0385) #informedconsent(s0057) #organ&tissuedonations(s0305) #statehealthservices #departmentof(v0463)
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Bill Summary · SB 1973

Legislative bill overview

SB 1973 establishes regulatory frameworks for "human body acquisition services" and defines who may legally receive human bodies or body parts. The bill appears designed to create licensing and oversight mechanisms for entities involved in acquiring, processing, or distributing human remains or tissue for medical, research, or other purposes.

Why is this important

Human body acquisition—including organ donation, tissue banking, cadaver donation for research, and body donation programs—currently operates under fragmented federal and state regulations. Clear state-level oversight could enhance consumer protections, prevent exploitation, ensure medical safety standards, and address ethical concerns around compensation and consent. Conversely, overly restrictive regulations could limit medical research and organ transplant availability.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: What specific services and body parts fall under regulation (organs, tissue, whole bodies, blood products) could dramatically affect healthcare providers, research institutions, and funeral services
  • "Authorized recipients" criteria: Determining which entities can legally acquire human bodies raises questions about access equity, profit-driven vs. nonprofit restrictions, and international considerations
  • Compensation concerns: The bill's stance on whether individuals or families can be compensated for body/tissue donation versus altruistic-only models has significant ethical and practical implications

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

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