SB 6678-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that social stigmas surrounding mental illness have prevented patients buried in the state mental health hospital cemeteries from being properly memorialized. From 1887 to 1953, the state buried many of the patients who died while in residence at the three state mental health hospitals on hospital grounds. In order to honor these patients, the legislature intends that the state be allowed to release records necessary to appropriately mark their resting place.

Directs the department of social and health services to make available the name, date of birth, and date of death of patients buried in state hospital cemeteries fifty years after the death of a patient.