Bill
Bill > S4461
NJ S4461
Authorizes cremation of unclaimed bodies by counties and storage of unclaimed bodies by hospitals.
summary
Introduced
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
In Committee
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends current law regarding unclaimed bodies. Specifically, a county is given the option under the bill to cremate an unclaimed body and is assigned responsibility for payment of the cremation. The bill also stipulates that cremains are to be retained by a medical examiner's office for at least one year from the date of the cremation. After one year, the cremains may be interred. Additionally, the bill updates current law by allowing storage of an unclaimed dead body by a hospital or medical examiner. The body may be, at the expense of the county, buried by a morgue keeper or cremated if, after 30 days, it remains unclaimed. Lastly, if an individual makes a valid claim to a body or cremains already buried, the individual is to incur the cost of disinterment. If the medical examiner is to conduct an investigation on a body, any disinterment is to be paid for by the medical examiner.
AI Summary
This bill amends New Jersey law regarding the handling of unclaimed bodies by providing counties with more flexibility in managing such cases. Specifically, the bill allows counties to choose cremation as an alternative to burial for unclaimed bodies, with the county bearing the expense if no surviving spouse or parent can be identified. The legislation requires hospitals or medical examiners to store unclaimed bodies for at least 30 days, after which they may be buried or cremated at county expense. Additionally, the bill mandates that cremated remains (cremains) must be retained by a medical examiner's office for at least one year before potential interment. The bill also clarifies the financial responsibilities for disinterment, stipulating that individuals making a claim to a buried body must pay for exhumation costs, while the medical examiner will cover disinterment expenses if conducting an investigation. These changes provide a more comprehensive and flexible approach to handling unclaimed bodies, addressing potential financial and logistical challenges faced by counties in managing such situations.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 05/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4461 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4461_I1.HTM |
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