BILL NUMBER: S9930B
SPONSOR: SUTTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the handling of
certain unclaimed remains
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to ensure that unclaimed bodies are to be
listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System
(NamUs) database prior to final disposition.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 requires that no unclaimed human remains be buried, cremated
or otherwise finally disposed of unless such remains have first been
entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System
(NamUs), or any successor database, in accordance with applicable proce-
dures.
Section 2 provides that the act shall take effect on the ninetieth day
after it becomes law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The requirement that unclaimed remains be entered into the National
Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) prior to final disposi-
tion ensures that reasonable efforts are made to identify the deceased
and locate next of kin. This enhances transparency, accountability, and
the likelihood of identification before irreversible actions are taken.
This legislation advances both dignity and due process in the handling
of unclaimed bodies.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPACT FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Potential cost savings to local governments where burial expenses are
assumed by private religious organizations.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.