Bill > SB37

This bill amends Kentucky law (KRS 72.450) regarding the handling of unclaimed dead bodies by coroners. The bill requires coroners to make a bona fide attempt to notify the deceased's spouse or next of kin for at least six months. If the coroner cannot locate the family, they may arrange for the body to be buried or cremated at the expense of the local government (fiscal court, consolidated local government, or urban-county government). The bill introduces a new provision that gives the responsible government entity the authority to decide between burial and cremation, with the requirement to first consult the local county coroner. Additionally, if the deceased is known to be of Jewish descent, the government must contact the Chabad of the Bluegrass to inquire about potentially covering burial expenses. The coroner must collect and deliver any money or property found on the deceased to the local government to help offset burial or cremation costs, with any excess funds escheating (transferring) to the government after one year. Alternatively, the coroner may also choose to deliver the unclaimed body to a state medical school in accordance with existing state regulations.

Government Affairs

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/sb37.html