Sec. 691.025.  PROCEDURE AFTER DEATH.  (a)  If a body is not claimed for burial immediately after death, the body shall be embalmed within 24 hours.
(b)  For 72 hours after death, the person in charge of the institution having charge or control of the body shall make due effort to find a relative of the deceased and notify the relative of the death.  If the person is not able to find a relative, the person shall file with the county clerk an affidavit stating that the person has made a diligent inquiry to find a relative and stating the inquiry the person made.
(c)  A body that is not claimed for burial within 48 hours after a relative receives notification shall be delivered as soon as possible to the commission or the commission's representative.
(d)  A relative of the deceased may claim the body within 60 days after the body has been delivered to an institution or other entity authorized to receive the body.  The body shall be released without charge.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by: 
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 961 (S.B. 2040), Sec. 1.11, eff. September 1, 2023.