House File 2349 amends Section 144C.8 of the Iowa Code, which pertains to the authority to control the final disposition of human remains. The bill introduces new circumstances under which a designee or person with authority to control will forfeit their rights. Specifically, it states that rights will vest in an alternate designee or devolve according to section 144C.5 if the designee is charged with murder or voluntary manslaughter related to the decedent's death, fails to exercise their authority within twenty-four hours of notification of the decedent's death, or does not claim the cremated remains within thirty calendar days after receiving written notice from a third party.

Additionally, the bill updates terminology by replacing "declarants" with "decedents" throughout the section, ensuring clarity regarding the individuals involved in the declaration of authority. These changes aim to streamline the process of determining authority over the final disposition of human remains and to address situations where the designated individual may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 144C.8
Enrolled: 144C.8