Texas statute
Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 49A.061 — Authority to lock and seal premises of deceased person; liability of estate for expenses; offense
Current through 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)
Part of Chapter 49A: DEATH INQUESTS, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Amendment pending: a new version of this section takes effect Thu Apr 01 2027 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time).
Full text of Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 49A.061
Statutory text current through the 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025). This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Texas.
(a) If a body or body part that is subject to an inquest under Article 49A.053 is found on premises that were under the sole control of the deceased person, 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 investigating the death. (b) Rent, utility charges, taxes, and any other reasonable expense that accrues against the property of the deceased person during the period the premises of the deceased person are locked and sealed under this article may be charged against the estate of the deceased person. (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.
Official sources
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