HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1743
As Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to the disposition of the remains of a county resident who dies indigent in an adjacent county outside of Washington.
Brief Description: Concerning the disposition of the remains of a county resident who dies indigent in an adjacent county outside of Washington.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Ryu and Graham.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government: 1/19/22, 1/26/22 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • A board of county commissioners may provide for the disposition of the remains of an indigent resident of the county who dies in an adjacent county outside of Washington.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 7 members:Representatives Pollet, Chair; Duerr, Vice Chair; Goehner, Ranking Minority Member; Griffey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Berg, Robertson and Senn.
Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134).
Background:

The board of county commissioners is required to provide for the disposition of the remains of a person who dies indigent within the county and whose body is unclaimed by relatives or a church organization. 

 

Human remains in the State of Washington must be decently buried, or undergo cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction within a reasonable time after death. 
Summary of Bill:

The board of county commissioners may provide for the disposition of the remains of an indigent resident of the county who dies in a neighboring county that is not in the State of Washington.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Currently, county commissioners don't even have the option to help pay for burial expenses in these circumstances.  The bill is permissive, and would allow them the option to help pay for the costs.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Joe Schmick, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.