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KentuckySB 272026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT relating to cremation of dead bodies.

Sponsored By: Greg Elkins (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Cemeteries And BurialsCoronersCountiesDeathsLocal GovernmentReligionLocal Mandate

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Unclaimed bodies may go to medical schools

Instead of a public burial or cremation, the coroner may give an unclaimed body or part to a state medical school, as allowed by state law. This offers another way to handle unclaimed remains and can avoid public costs.

Decedent’s money helps pay final costs

When the government pays to bury or to cremate and inter a body, the coroner must collect the decedent’s money or property. The coroner gives it to the local government to help cover those costs. Any money left after one year goes to that government.

Unclaimed bodies: 30-day notice, local decision

A coroner must try for at least 30 days to notify a spouse or next of kin. If no one claims the body, the local government pays for burial or for cremation and interment. That government, not the coroner, chooses the method after consulting the county coroner. If the decedent is known to belong to a religious group that offered in writing to pay for burial, the government must also consult that group.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Greg Elkins

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Matthew Deneen

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 113 • No: 12

House vote • 4/1/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 76 • No: 12

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

passed

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 127)

    4/13/2026

  2. delivered to Governor

    4/1/2026

  3. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

    4/1/2026Senate

  4. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

    4/1/2026Senate

  5. passed 37-0

    4/1/2026Senate

  6. Senate concurred in Committee Substitute (1)

    4/1/2026Senate

  7. posted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1)

    4/1/2026House

  8. to Rules (S)

    4/1/2026Senate

  9. received in Senate

    4/1/2026Senate

  10. 3rd reading, passed 76-12 with Committee Substitute (1)

    4/1/2026House

  11. Committee Substitute (1) adopted

    4/1/2026House

  12. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 31 2026

    3/27/2026House

  13. 2nd reading, to Rules

    3/25/2026House

  14. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)

    3/24/2026House

  15. to Local Government (H)

    3/5/2026House

  16. to Committee on Committees (H)

    1/27/2026House

  17. received in House

    1/27/2026House

  18. 3rd reading, passed with 35-0 Committee Substitute (1)

    1/23/2026Senate

  19. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, January 23, 2026

    1/22/2026Senate

  20. 2nd reading, to Rules

    1/22/2026Senate

  21. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)

    1/21/2026Senate

  22. to State & Local Government (S)

    1/12/2026Senate

  23. to Committee on Committees (S)

    1/6/2026Senate

  24. introduced in Senate

    1/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Current

    4/1/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/10/2025

    PDF

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