SPONSOR: Sassmann
This bill changes laws relating to the disposition of human remains. In its main provisions the bill:
(1) Repeals language on pilot programs and voluntary electronic death registration programs and certain report requirements for the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Senior Services which are obsolete and includes "medical certification and attestation" in the information entered into the electronic death registration system (Section 193.145, RSMo);
(2) Allows the State Registrar to return records and documents to a local registrar for updating by funeral directors or others in charge of the disposition of human remains, but does not modify requirements for affidavits or court orders to amend death certificates (Section 193.265);
(3) Creates an exception to the right of sepulcher by surviving spouses if a petition for the dissolution of marriage has been filed and is pending in a court of competent jurisdiction. The next-of-kin who is 18 or older may delegate responsibility for final disposition if his or her principal or agent is taking financial responsibility for a disposition (Section 194.119); and
(4) Changes notification requirements on the priority of persons with a right of sepulcher to require that any individual with an inferior claim provide notice in writing with delivery confirmation in order for waiver by the notified individual, under specified circumstances, to occur (194.119).
This bill is similar to SB 598 (2020).
Statutes affected: