Bill > HB2065

This bill modifies several sections of Arizona law related to handling deceased persons, with a particular focus on indigent deceased individuals and cremation procedures. The bill updates provisions for county medical examiners, allowing them to more flexibly handle the disposition of unclaimed bodies by permitting counties to establish their own crematories for indigent deceased persons. Specifically, the bill allows county medical examiners to retain a body and supervise its preservation and cremation at a county-owned crematory that is properly licensed. It also clarifies that cremations must be performed by a licensed cremationist and establishes a process for registering death certificates when the medical examiner is responsible for final disposition. The bill makes technical corrections to existing statutes, such as standardizing language about geographic areas and funeral establishment procedures. Additionally, it modifies licensing requirements for crematories and funeral services, including allowing county medical examiners to direct funeral services for indigent deceased persons without needing a specific funeral director license. These changes aim to provide counties with more streamlined and cost-effective methods for handling unclaimed and indigent deceased individuals while maintaining proper oversight and professional standards.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81731