The bill amends K.S.A. 65-1734 to establish a clear order of priority for the disposition of a decedent's remains, particularly focusing on situations where the surviving parents cannot agree on the matter. The new language specifies that if the surviving parents are in disagreement for more than 60 days following the decedent's death, the mother will have first priority for 30 days to make decisions regarding the remains. If she does not act within that timeframe, the father will then be granted first priority. Additionally, the bill allows an incarcerated parent to authorize final disposition through a notarized statement.

The bill also clarifies that a funeral director or crematory will not face criminal prosecution or civil liability for following the instructions of individuals deemed entitled to control the final disposition under the new guidelines. Furthermore, the existing section of K.S.A. 65-1734 is repealed, and the act will take effect upon its publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 65-1734
As introduced: 65-1734