HB 1457

Abstract

Amends the Missing Persons Identification Act. Provides that the coroner or medical examiner shall obtain a DNA sample from any individual's remains that are unclaimed or from any individual who is deemed indigent by the coroner or medical examiner and shall have the DNA sample forwarded to the Department of State Police for inclusion in the State and National DNA Databases. Amends the Cemetery Oversight Act. Provides that prior to the burial or interment of any indigent or unidentified individual, a cemetery authority must place inside the burial casket or crypt a metal tag that is stamped or inscribed with the indigent or unidentified individual's Unique Personal Identifier. Prohibits the stacking of caskets in one grave space to 3 caskets for indigent or unidentified individuals. Provides that a cemetery authority shall not bury human remains from multiple persons, identified or unidentified, in the same casket or gravespace, except in cases of a mass casualty event, either natural or man-made. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may enter into a written agreement with a local law enforcement agency or county sheriff's department for the purpose of enforcing provisions of this Act. Permits local law enforcement agencies or county sheriff's departments that have entered into an agreement with the Department shall have the authority to issue citations for the violations of this Act that may be adjudicated in a circuit court that has jurisdiction or by a hearing officer designated by the Secretary. Amends the Vital Records Act. Provides an additional $1 surcharge for each certified copy of a death certificate produced by a local registrar or county clerk to be deposited into the counties general fund for medical examiners and coroners to provide DNA samples of indigent or unidentified human remains. Effective immediately.