The bill amends the Public Health Code by updating sections 2848 and 2854, specifically regarding the final disposition of dead bodies and fetal remains. It establishes that a funeral director must obtain authorization for final disposition within 5 hours after death or discovery of a dead body. Additionally, it mandates that if a dead fetus under 20 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 400 grams is delivered or miscarried in an institution, the parents must be given the opportunity to elect the final disposition. Violations of this requirement can result in civil infractions or misdemeanors, with fines up to $10,000 for first violations and up to $50,000 for subsequent violations.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that a person who fails to obtain the proper authorization for final disposition as outlined in section 2848 is also subject to civil infractions, with a maximum fine of $1,000 per violation. The amendments aim to ensure that proper procedures are followed in the handling of deceased individuals and fetal remains, while also providing legal consequences for non-compliance.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.2848, 333.2854