SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6254

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1994

Brief Description:  Authorizing counties to file claims against escheat property for funeral or burial expenses of indigent persons.

SPONSORS: Senators Fraser, Loveland, M. Rasmussen and Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Haugen, Chairman; Drew, Vice Chairman; Loveland, McCaslin, Oke, Owen and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786‑7754)

Hearing Dates: February 3, 1994; February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

County commissioners are required to provide for the disposition of the remains of indigent persons when the body is unclaimed by relatives or church organization.  The county has no right to recover its costs from property of the decedent which may transfer to the state because no heirs exist.

SUMMARY:

The county legislative authority may file a claim against any property of a decedent which reverts to the state for funeral or burial expenses the county is required to incur.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This bill will enable counties to recover some of the cost of burying indigents.  DSHS no longer assists in this and the burden has fallen on the counties.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Kurt Sharar, WSAC