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MaineLD 250132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act Regarding the Disposal of Abandoned Human Remains

Sponsored By: Anne M. Carney (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

DEATHDEATH - DISPOSITION OF REMAINS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

15-day window before state buries or cremates

For identified remains of a deceased Maine resident in a medical examiner case, the timeline is shorter. After the exam and a reasonable search for next of kin, families have 15 days to take custody. If no one claims the body in that time, the Chief Medical Examiner arranges burial or cremation. The office files a certificate of abandonment in the town where the remains were found that lists the method used. This replaces a 30-day waiting period.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 14

    3/25/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    3/20/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/20/2025House

  4. Reports READ.On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, the Majority Ought to Pass Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSEDIn concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/20/2025House

  5. Reports READ On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland The Majority Ought to Pass Report ACCEPTED READ ONCE Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME AND PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    3/20/2025Senate

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/21/2025House

  7. Committee on JUDICIARY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    1/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

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