All Roll Calls
Yes: 113 • No: 12
KentuckySB 272026 Regular SessionSenate
AN ACT relating to cremation of dead bodies.
Sponsored By: Greg Elkins (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Cemeteries And BurialsCoronersCountiesDeathsLocal GovernmentLocal MandateReligion
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Who pays and decides for unclaimed bodies
If no spouse or next of kin claims the body, the coroner can arrange burial or cremation. The fiscal court, consolidated local government, or urban-county government pays. That government chooses burial or cremation, after consulting the county coroner. If a known religious group wrote that it will pay for member burials, the government must also consult the group. Instead of public burial or cremation, the coroner may give the body to a state medical school.
Family notice and decedent property rules
The law requires the coroner to try for at least 30 days to notify the spouse or next of kin. If the body is handled at public expense, the coroner takes any money or property found with the decedent. That money goes to the local government to help pay for burial or cremation. Any money left after one year becomes the government's property.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 37 • No: 0
House vote • 4/1/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 76 • No: 12
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 127)
4/13/2026delivered to Governor
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/1/2026passed 37-0
4/1/2026Senate concurred in Committee Substitute (1)
4/1/2026posted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1)
4/1/2026Houseto Rules (S)
4/1/2026Senatereceived in Senate
4/1/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 76-12 with Committee Substitute (1)
4/1/2026Committee Substitute (1) adopted
4/1/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 31 2026
3/27/20262nd reading, to Rules
3/25/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
3/24/2026to Local Government (H)
3/5/2026Houseto Committee on Committees (H)
1/27/2026Housereceived in House
1/27/2026House3rd reading, passed with 35-0 Committee Substitute (1)
1/23/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, January 23, 2026
1/22/20262nd reading, to Rules
1/22/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
1/21/2026to State & Local Government (S)
1/12/2026Senateto Committee on Committees (S)
1/6/2026Senateintroduced in Senate
1/6/2026Senate
Bill Text
Current
4/1/2026
Introduced
12/10/2025
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