Signed by Governor Mike Parson

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends provisions and regulations over disposal of the dead to enable family members to more quickly settle their loved one's estate, close out checking accounts and cell phone numbers, and conclude other matters.

Highlights:

• Repeals the requirement that the funeral director file a completed notification of death with local registrar (Sec. 193.175).

• Repeals the requirement that a disinterred body be treated as infectious and dangerous to the public health and not transported by a common carrier unless it is encased in an airtight metal or metal-lined burial case that is hermetically sealed (Sec. 194.010).

• Requires that the Department of Health and Senior Services issue regulations setting health and safety requirements for transporting dead bodies placed on common carriers in the state of Missouri (Sec. 194.010).

• Repeals the requirement that a cemetery operator notify by certified mail, the closest living relative of the body being moved and to provide the name and address of the person moving the body, name of the person moving the body, and the location it is being moved to (Sec. 194.105).

• Specifies that the surviving spouse is no longer considered a next-of-kin if an action for the dissolution of the marriage has been filed and is pending court (Sec. 194.119).

• Authorizes next-of-kin to delegate the final disposition of the remains to an agent through a specific or general grant of power if, at the time of delegation, the next-of-kin was 18 or older and mentally competent and the agent takes financial responsibility for the disposition (Sec. 194.119).

Full Bill Text