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Hearing on coroner bill focuses on disposition of unclaimed remains and cremains
Summary
House Bill 2331 would clarify coroners' authority to dispose of unclaimed bodies and cremated remains, outline notice and reimbursement procedures, and limit coroner liability except for gross negligence. Forensic and coroner officials said the changes would provide needed statutory guidance.
The committee considered House Bill 2331, which would add statutory language clarifying how district coroners and their deputies may provide final disposition for unclaimed bodies and cremated remains.
Legislative staff told the committee the bill would not affect funeral establishments or crematories, which are governed under KSA 65-17-32; instead the bill addresses coroner disposition practices under statutes governing district coroners. The measure would allow a coroner to transfer a body to a medical school, to cremate, or to bury remains when next of kin have been identified but refuse custody; it would also add specific steps for disposition of cremated remains. If cremated remains are unclaimed for three years (or a longer statutory retention period), the coroner may publish notice and may relinquish custody after 30 days. Claimants who are authorized to take custody would be required to reimburse the coroner for cremation costs and applicable fees, the bill says.
Dr. Shelly Steadman, director of the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, testified in support and described the county's difficulty storing growing numbers of cremains. "As I stand here today, our county has over 5,000 cremains in storage," Dr. Steadman said, and she urged the committee to adopt the language to provide "much needed direction allowing for these individuals to be given permanent and respectful disposition." She described differences in practice across counties and said the proposed language would give coroners a consistent timeline and process.
The bill also would limit coroner liability for disposition of cremated remains except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct and would allow disposal of personal property of insubstantial commercial value.
No opponents spoke during the oral record; several proponents offered written testimony. Committee members asked clarifying questions; the hearing record did not show a final vote or formal committee action.
