This bill amends provisions related to the disposition of decedents' personal property by coroners and medical examiners in Minnesota. It modifies Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 390.225, subdivision 5, to change the terminology from "name" to "identity" of unknown decedents and allows for the decedent's personal property to be placed with them for burial, stored long-term, or disposed of directly, rather than solely being released to the county for disposal or sale. Additionally, it establishes that if a representative qualifies within six years of the sale, the county administrator must pay the proceeds to the representative, but if no order is made within that timeframe, the proceeds will become part of the county's general revenue.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 525.393 to clarify the responsibilities of coroners and medical examiners regarding the disposal of personal property. It requires them to complete a full inventory of a decedent's personal property and outlines the process for surrendering property to known blood relatives or individuals with the right to control the decedent's remains. If no such individuals are identified, the coroner or medical examiner may either place the property with the decedent for burial or sell it. The bill also stipulates that any revenue from the sale must first cover reasonable expenses related to the decedent's remains, with any remaining funds held for one year for potential claims before becoming part of the county's general revenue. Both sections of the bill will take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 390.225, 525.393
1st Engrossment: 390.225, 525.393
2nd Engrossment: 390.225, 525.393