The bill amends the procedures for county coroners regarding the disposition of property belonging to decedents who do not have personal representatives or next of kin. Specifically, it removes the requirement for coroners to turn over found property to the clerk of the district court and instead mandates that they dispose of the property in accordance with new provisions. Personal items valued at less than fifty dollars and items necessary for the convenience of the deceased's next of kin may still be released to the next of kin.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new process for handling money and property found on the deceased when there is no personal representative or claim from next of kin. If the next of kin does not claim the property within a reasonable time, the coroner is required to sell the property at public auction or through other means adopted by the county. The proceeds from the sale will first be used to cover burial expenses, with any remaining funds deposited into the county's general fund. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7-4-207