HASBSB187 BELLM 2878
SENATE SUMMARY OF HOUSE AMENDMENTS
SB 187 2023 Regular Session Kleinpeter
KEYWORD AND SUMMARY AS RETURNED TO THE SENATE
CORONERS. Provides relative to cremation of bodies. (8/1/23)
SUMMARY OF HOUSE AMENDMENTS TO THE SENATE BILL
1. Adds types of testing required to be included in the coroners' post mortem
examination and evidence collection, including but not limited to DNA
testing, bone, skin, organ, and fluid retention under normal American Society
of Crime Laboratory Directors standards, and other evidence.
DIGEST OF THE SENATE BILL AS RETURNED TO THE SENATE
SB 187 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Kleinpeter
Present law provides that if the cremation of a body is requested, the funeral director shall
immediately notify the coroner who has jurisdiction in the death. Proposed law retains
present law.
Present law provides that the coroner shall issue a permit for cremation if, after the necessary
investigation, he is satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Present law provides that the coroner shall deny the permit if the investigation reveals
suspicious circumstances or the reasonable probability of the commission of a crime.
Present law further provides that the coroner may issue a permit for cremation after
completion of his investigation. Proposed law specifies that the permit for cremation shall
be denied until the post mortem examination and evidence collection which includes but is
not limited to DNA testing, bone, skin, organ, and fluid retention under normal American
Society of Crime Laboratory Directors standards, and other evidence declared by the coroner
is complete.
Proposed law requires the coroner, upon completion of his post mortem examination and
evidence collection which includes but is not limited to DNA testing, bone, skin, organ, and
fluid retention under normal American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors standards, and
other evidence declared by the coroner, to release the body to the family or friends for
disposition in accordance with present law. Provides that when the coroner cannot release
the body within 30 days of death, the coroner is required to notify in writing the person or
persons with the right to dispose of human remains the reasons for any delay in release of the
body.
Effective August 1, 2023.
(Amends R.S. 13:5716)
______________________
Alan Miller
Senior Attorney