Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
§ 49.22 — SEALING PREMISES OF DECEASED
CR § 49.22Title 1. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE · Ch. 49. INQUESTS UPON DEAD BODIES · Art. A. DUTIES PERFORMED BY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Statute text
View on source(a)If a body or body part that is subject to an inquest under Article 49.04 of this code is found on premises that were under the sole control of the deceased, a justice of the peace or other person authorized under this subchapter to conduct an inquest may direct that the premises be locked and sealed to prohibit entrance by any person other than a peace officer conducting an investigation of the death.
(b)Rent, utility charges, taxes, and all other reasonable expenses accruing against the property of the deceased during the time the premises of the deceased are locked and sealed under this article may be charged against the estate of the deceased.
(c)A person other than a peace officer commits an offense if the person tampers with or removes a lock or seal placed on premises under this article.
(d)An offense under this article is a Class B misdemeanor. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 529, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Subsec. (d) amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 656, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 826, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 and Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1295, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 202 (H.B. 1610), Sec. 3.01, eff. April 1, 2027. Text of article effective until April 01, 2027