Bill > SB707

This bill establishes new criminal offenses for the abuse or desecration of deceased human bodies and cremated human remains, aiming to address disrespectful treatment of the dead that was not previously covered by law. It defines "abuse" or "desecrate" to include mutilating, removing, concealing, disposing of, or treating a deceased body in a way that would outrage ordinary sensibilities. A basic offense of abusing or desecrating a deceased human body is a felony punishable by one to five years in prison or a fine. This offense becomes "aggravated" if committed to conceal a death, hinder identification, tamper with evidence, avoid arrest, further a felony, or for commercial exploitation, coercion, intimidation, or personal gratification, carrying a more severe penalty of two to ten years in prison or a significant fine. The bill also addresses cremated human remains, making their unauthorized scattering, disposal, concealment, abandonment, or destruction, or their use for commercial exploitation, coercion, intimidation, or fraudulent purposes, a crime, with specific exemptions for lawful disposition and ceremonial scattering. Importantly, the bill provides exemptions for conduct performed by authorized professionals like medical examiners, law enforcement, funeral directors, and for lawful medical or scientific purposes, and allows prosecution in the county where the act occurred or where the remains were found.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=707&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill