The bill amends RCW 68.50.230 regarding the disposition of human remains when they have been in lawful possession for a specified period. It establishes that if human remains have been held by a person, firm, corporation, or county for 45 days or more without direction from relatives or interested parties, the possessor may proceed with the disposition of the remains in accordance with regulations set by the funeral and cemetery board. This change reduces the previous waiting period from ninety days to 45 days and explicitly includes "county" as a potential possessor of human remains.

Additionally, the bill outlines a process for the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify the eligibility of deceased individuals as veterans or dependents of veterans for interment in veterans' cemeteries. Upon certification, the bill mandates that the possessor of the remains must transfer custody to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Importantly, the bill clarifies that such transfers do not create liability for the state or the transferring parties, ensuring legal protection for those involved in the process.