House Bill No. by Representative Murray amends R.S. 9:1551(B) to extend the time frame in which coroners are required to arrange for the disposition of unclaimed or abandoned bodies. The current law mandates that this process be completed within thirty days; however, the proposed legislation increases this period to forty-five days. This change aims to provide coroners with additional time to manage the disposition of remains, particularly in cases where the decedent has known assets or property that can cover the associated expenses.

Under the amended law, if a decedent's remains are not claimed and they possess sufficient assets, the coroner will still be responsible for arranging the disposition, preferably through a recognized funeral establishment. The expenses incurred will be forwarded to the public administrator or the clerk of the district court, depending on the availability of a public administrator in the parish, ensuring that the costs are covered from the decedent's assets in accordance with existing succession laws.

Statutes affected:
HB1190 Original: 9:1551(B)