Bill > LD250

This bill modifies existing Maine state law regarding the disposal of abandoned human remains by reducing the time period that must pass before the Chief Medical Examiner can assume responsibility for disposing of unclaimed human remains from 30 days to 15 days. Specifically, the bill allows the Chief Medical Examiner to take custody and control of identified human remains of a deceased Maine resident if no family member or other responsible party claims the remains within 15 days after the completion of an autopsy or necessary examination and after making reasonable efforts to locate potential claimants. Once this period has elapsed, the Chief Medical Examiner can proceed with either interment (burial) or cremation of the remains, and must file a certificate of abandonment in the municipality where the remains were originally recovered. This change aims to more quickly and efficiently handle cases of unclaimed human remains, potentially reducing storage and administrative costs for medical examiner's offices while ensuring a dignified disposition of the deceased.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=250&snum=132