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 such property according to new guidelines. Personal items valued at less than fifty dollars can still be released to the deceased's next of kin.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection that outlines the process for handling money and property found on the deceased if no claims are made by the next of kin within 180 days. In such cases, 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 cover burial expenses, and any remaining funds over fifty dollars will be deposited with the state treasurer under the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7-4-207
Engrossed: 7-4-207