FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 5265
C 22 L 93
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
Brief Description: Modifying funeral expenses of a deceased person.
SPONSORS: Senators Snyder, Winsley, A. Smith, Bauer, Hochstatter, Gaspard, L. Smith, Loveland, Vognild, Skratek and Pelz
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
BACKGROUND:
The right and responsibility for the disposition of the remains of a deceased person belong to the decedent's family, unless the decedent has left other instructions. The liability for burial devolves upon 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 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. The maximum assistance available is $1,127, which includes $691 for preparation and funeral services, and $436 for burial and purchase of a plot. Prior to 1992, in determining the state's liability, the Department of Social and Health Services had authority to consider the assets of a surviving spouse or parent, but not the assets of surviving children, or of parents unless the decedent was a minor child. In 1992, the Legislature authorized the department to consider the assets of surviving parents or children when determining the state's liability for funeral and interment costs. However, it did not require the department to do so.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Social and Health Services is required to consider the assets of parents or children when determining whether or not the state will assume responsibility for costs associated with the funeral and interment of a deceased person.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
Senate 48 0
House 98 0
EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993