Burial or cremation and burial of a deceased prison inmate, cremation of an unclaimed corpse, and prohibition on cremation of an unclaimed corpse in cases of homicide. (FE)

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill changes procedures relating to burial or cremation and burial of a deceased prison inmate and cremation of an unclaimed corpse. Under the bill, the Department of Corrections must provide written notification to a deceased inmate's relative informing him or her that DOC will, upon request, provide a copy of any autopsy report or other report regarding the inmate's death and allow the relative to claim the cremated remains of the inmate before the remains are buried. With certain exceptions, the bill allows the superintendent of an institution or other public officer to cremate and bury an unclaimed corpse. The bill prohibits cremation of an unclaimed corpse if the deceased person died as a result of homicide.

The bill also adds an express allowance for DOC to charge a prisoner's estate for some or all of the costs to the department of the prisoner's incarceration or burial or cremation and burial. Under the bill, if an inmate in a state prison has not paid court-ordered restitution at the time of his or her death, DOC is required to assess, collect, and disburse the amount owed from the inmate's wages or other moneys.

Who's behind it

2 senators are its authors⁠. All 2 are Republicans.

9 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOC

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo