Does the law require that a dead human body be embalmed?
No, Texas law does not require embalming at any time. Most common carriers will require that a body be embalmed prior to shipping and the laws of the destination state will apply. Because of the rapid deterioration of a body after death, Texas Health Services Rules require that bodies held for over 24 hours or in transit must be embalmed, refrigerated or encased in a leak and odor proof container. However, most funeral homes require a body to be embalmed if there will be an open casket viewing.
