Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023.
Section 48.02 - Prohibition of the Purchase and Sale of Human Organs(a) In this section, "human organ" means the human kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas, eye, bone, skin, or any other human organ or tissue, but does not include hair or blood, blood components (including plasma), blood derivatives, or blood reagents. The term does not include human fetal tissue as defined by Section 48.03.(b) A person commits an offense if he or she knowingly or intentionally offers to buy, offers to sell, acquires, receives, sells, or otherwise transfers any human organ for valuable consideration.(c) It is an exception to the application of this section that the valuable consideration is: (1) a fee paid to a physician or to other medical personnel for services rendered in the usual course of medical practice or a fee paid for hospital or other clinical services; (2) reimbursement of legal or medical expenses incurred for the benefit of the ultimate receiver of the organ; or (3) reimbursement of expenses of travel, housing, and lost wages incurred by the donor of a human organ in connection with the donation of the organ.(d) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.Amended by Acts 2017, Texas Acts of the 85th Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 441,Sec. 16, eff. 9/1/2017.Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1.01, eff. 9/1/1994.Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 40, Sec. 1, eff. 8/26/1985.