RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 628 (HB 539) 2016 Regular Session Hazel
Existing law authorizes the coroner to dispose of an abandoned or unclaimed body.
New law retains existing law and authorizes the coroner to donate tissue or biological
samples to an individual who is affiliated with an established search and rescue dog
organization for the purpose of training a dog to search for human remains.
New law adds that any request for biological samples shall not be no more that 28 grams per
tissue and shall be made to the coroner on the requesting organization's letterhead and signed
by the director, manager, or individual overseeing rescue dog training.
New law further adds that a person shall be deemed affiliated with an established search and
rescue dog organization if he presents the coroner with a signed letter from his director,
manager, or other supervisor authorizing the request of biological samples.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 17, 2016).
(Adds R.S. 9:1551(F))