Bill > LD540

This bill requires the Chief Medical Examiner to take specific actions regarding unidentified and abandoned human remains in Maine. After possessing unidentified human remains for 45 days, the Chief Medical Examiner must conduct forensic genetic genealogy testing on the DNA of those remains, which involves analyzing a biological sample to create a genetic profile that can be searched in personal genomics databases or through direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy services. The bill also provides guidelines for storing and disposing of unidentified human remains, allowing the Chief Medical Examiner to store the remains, release them to an educational institution, inter them, or have them cremated. If no one claims abandoned human remains within 30 days after an autopsy or examination, the Chief Medical Examiner can assume responsibility for their disposal and may seek to recover associated costs from the deceased's estate or municipality of residence. The bill specifically excludes human remains found in maintained cemeteries and known Indian remains from these provisions, ensuring that such remains are handled according to separate guidelines.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=540&snum=132