SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2279

BYHouse Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Haugen, Nealey, Ferguson and Jones)

Providing county reimbursement for selected transportation of human remains.

House Committe on Local Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410)

                  February 22, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

A county is not allowed to charge for the removal of any body to the county morgue or for the care of a body at the county morgue.  After investigation, and at the request of relatives or friends, a body shall be delivered to friends at any point in the city without charge.

SUMMARY:

The county shall pay the reasonable costs of transporting human remains whenever a coroner or medical examiner assumes jurisdiction over human remains and directs the remains to be transported by a funeral establishment and:  (1) the funeral establishment transporting the remains is not providing the funeral or disposition services; or (2) the funeral establishment providing the funeral or disposition services is required to transport the remains to a facility other than its own.

Any transportation costs or other costs incurred after the coroner or medical examiner releases jurisdiction over human remains shall not be borne by the county, except for the responsibility of the county to pay for the burial of indigent persons, and indigent veterans and their family members, or if such costs are incurred by the county while operating a county cemetery.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: George Fuller, Kitsap County Coroner (pro); Dick Goldsmith, Executive Director, Washington State Funeral Directors Association (pro)