SB 784
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
First Reader
Senate Bill 784 (Senator Hayes)
Finance
State Anatomy Board - Claimed Cremated Remains - Provision Without
Payment of Costs
This bill requires the State Anatomy Board to provide the cremains of a decedent who is
cremated through the State cremation process, in a suitable container, to the decedent’s
relative without requiring the relative to pay any costs if (1) the cremains have not been
buried at the State burial grounds and (2) the relative can show hardship.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: Since the bill generally codifies current regulations and practice, there is no
material fiscal or operational impact on the State Anatomy Board.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: Generally, the Maryland Department of Health’s State Anatomy Board is
notified if there is an unclaimed body in the State. For unclaimed bodies, after 72 hours
after death, the body is under the exclusive control of the State Anatomy Board and may
be embalmed or cremated. Any relative or friend may claim the body or cremains after
embalming or cremation and, after paying the board for the costs of moving and
embalming/cremating the body, may receive it. Per the Code of Maryland Regulations, the
board may, at its discretion, waive any payment upon a showing of economic hardship by
the relative or friend.
 Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Maryland Department of Health; Department of Legislative
Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - March 9, 2021
rh/jc
Analysis by: Kathleen P. Kennedy Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 784/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - State Anatomy Board - Claimed Cremated Remains - Provision Without Payment of Costs: 5-401 Health General, 5-406 Health General