Bill
Bill > A6104
NJ A6104
NJ A6104Authorizes cremation of unclaimed bodies by counties and storage of unclaimed bodies by hospitals.
summary
Introduced
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
In Committee
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
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 cost if no surviving spouse or parent can be identified. The legislation also permits hospitals and medical examiners to store unclaimed bodies for up to 30 days, after which the body may be buried or cremated at county expense. Additionally, the bill mandates that cremated remains (cremains) must be kept by a medical examiner's office for at least one year before potentially being interred. The bill clarifies the financial responsibility for disinterment, stipulating that individuals making a claim to a buried body must pay for exhumation, while the medical examiner will cover disinterment costs if an investigation is required. This legislation aims to provide a more comprehensive and flexible approach to handling unclaimed bodies, ensuring dignified treatment while managing associated logistical and financial challenges.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 11/24/2025)
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/A6104 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6104_I1.HTM |
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