I have filed legislation – Senate Bill 1406 – to protect individual dignity and ensure that no unclaimed body in Texas is used for medical or forensic science without explicit consent. Recent investigations exposed how some institutions exploited unclaimed bodies—often those of the poor, homeless, and even veterans—without attempting to notify their families. Every Texan deserves dignity in life and death, and no family should be left in the dark about their loved one’s remains. This legislation will close loopholes, restore oversight, and uphold the highest ethical standards. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this critical reform.

You can also watch this NBC News Special Report which shined light on this critical issue through their investigative series, “Dealing the Dead”.