All Roll Calls
Yes: 98 • No: 0
UtahH.B. 4932025 General SessionHouseWALLET
Medical Examiner Amendments
Sponsored By: Raymond P. Ward (Republican)
Signed by Governor
BusinessFuneral and Death Care ServicesHealth and Human ServicesHealth CareMedical RecordsDepartment of Health and Human Services
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Online death certificates flag reviews and fees
Beginning January 1, 2026, Utah’s health department must develop and maintain an online death-certificate system for health care professionals. It must offer common diagnosis codes and real-time notices about whether a certificate is complete or needs medical examiner review. It must also identify parts that may need review. When further review is required, providers must see a warning about possible fees if families choose cremation or similar actions. The warning must show the potential fee amount.
New cremation permit rules and possible fees
Beginning January 1, 2026, Utah sets permit rules for cremation or other actions that prevent further examination of a body. The medical examiner must automatically issue permits when applicants have legal authority, death certificates are complete and correct, and fees are paid. The death must also fall outside the examiner’s jurisdiction, with no legally authorized autopsy needed. The examiner generally has three days after receiving an application to decide. If more time is needed for good-faith checks, the examiner must notify the applicant and give an estimated timeframe. Denial is limited to lack of legal authority, a needed delay, or unpaid fees. The examiner can charge fees to cover permit-process costs; the law does not specify dollar amounts.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Raymond P. Ward
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Keven J. Stratton
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
Yes: 23 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/4/2025
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 4 • No: 0
House vote • 2/28/2025
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 63 • No: 0
House vote • 2/25/2025
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/27/2025House/ to Governor
3/13/2025HouseHouse/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2025HouseHouse/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/12/2025HouseEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/12/2025Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/7/2025Bill Received from House for Enrolling
3/7/2025House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2025HouseHouse/ received from Senate
3/6/2025HouseSenate/ to House
3/6/2025SenateSenate/ signed by President/ returned to House
3/6/2025SenateSenate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/6/2025SenateSenate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension
3/6/2025SenateSenate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
3/6/2025SenateSenate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
3/5/2025SenateSenate/ committee report favorable
3/5/2025SenateSenate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
3/4/2025SenateSenate/ to standing committee
2/28/2025SenateSenate/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/28/2025SenateSenate/ received from House
2/28/2025SenateHouse/ to Senate
2/28/2025HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
2/28/2025HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
2/28/2025HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
2/26/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/12/2025
Substitute #1
2/17/2025
Introduced
2/12/2025