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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)

Became Law

DEATHDEATH - DISPOSITION OF REMAINS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State can dispose unclaimed remains sooner

This applies to identified remains of a deceased Maine resident in a medical examiner case. The law shortens the claim window from 30 days to 15 days. The 15 days start after the Chief Medical Examiner finishes the autopsy or exam and makes reasonable inquiry. If no one takes custody by then, the examiner may bury or cremate the remains. The examiner must file a certificate of abandonment in the town where the remains were found, stating the disposal method.

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. ACTPUB Chapter 14

    5/1/2026

  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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