FINAL BILL REPORT

                     SHB 2874

                                 C 108 L 92

                            Synopsis As Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying the department of social and health services financial responsibility for funeral expenses of eligible persons.

By House Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Winsley, Grant, Tate, Ogden, Neher, Leonard, Padden, Paris, Brough, Basich and Mitchell).

House Committee on Human Services

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:  The right and responsibility for the disposition of the remains of a deceased person belongs to the decedent's family, unless the decedent has left other instructions.  Liability for burial falls to the family of the decedent in the following order:  surviving spouse, surviving children, and surviving parents.  A decedent's family is liable only for interment - burial or cremation - and is not liable for preparation and care of the remains and other related services.

The state may assume responsibility for the preparation, care and disposition of the remains of a decedent whose assets do not include sufficient resources to pay for a minimum standard funeral and interment.  In determining the state's liability, the Department of Social and Health Services may consider the assets of a surviving spouse or parent.  The department is not authorized to consider the assets of surviving children, or of parents, unless the decedent is a minor child.

The current state grant standard for disposition is $657.  The standard provides for costs related to the preparation, care and transportation of a decedent's remains, memorial services, and burial or cremation.  Any contribution made by family and friends for the cost of the funeral or interment is deducted from the state's grant.

Summary:  The liability of families of deceased persons is expanded to include the preparation, care, and disposition of the decedent's remains.

The Department of Social and Health Services may consider the assets of surviving children and parents of adult decedents when determining whether a decedent is eligible for state burial assistance. 

The department shall establish a maximum level for contributions from family, friends and others for funeral, transportation, or burial services, which will not be deducted from the state's grant standard.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 93    0

Senate   48    0    (Senate amended)

House 96    0    (House concurred)

Effective:     June 11, 1992