Senate
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

SB27

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AN ACT relating to cremation of dead bodies.

Amend KRS 72.450 to allow a coroner who is in possession of an unclaimed dead body to have the body buried or cremated; direct that the decision between burial or cremation be made by the governmental entity bearing the expense; require a coroner to be consulted before a government entity decides if an unclaimed dead body is required to be buried or cremated; establish that if Jewish descent is known, that the Chabad of the Bluegrass, or any successor entity, be contacted by the appropriate government entity to inquire if the Chabad of the Bluegrass wants to pay for the burial expense, or if known to be a member of a religious community, the appropriate government entity contact any such religious community that has expressed, in writing, a willingness to the local county coroner that it will pay for, or otherwise provide, the burial expense of the community's members.

Cemeteries and BurialsCoronersCountiesDeathsLocal GovernmentReligionLocal Mandate

Introduced: January 6, 2026

Last action: April 13, 2026

Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 127)
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Legislative History

Jan 6, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Jan 6, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Jan 12, 2026 · Senate
To State & Local Government (S)
Jan 21, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Friday, January 23, 2026 (clerical)
Jan 23, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed With 35-0 Committee Substitute (1) (clerical)
Jan 27, 2026 · House
Received In House

Primary Sponsor

Portrait of Greg Elkins
Greg Elkins

Senator · Senate District 28

Primary sponsor
greg.elkins@kylegislature.gov
BallotpediaOfficial profile

Co-sponsors (1)

Portrait of Matthew Deneen
Matthew Deneen

Senator · Senate District 10

Co-sponsor
matthew.deneen@kylegislature.gov

Roll calls

January 23, 2026

Senate: 3rd reading, passed with 35-0 Committee Substitute (1)

Yea: 35
Nay: 0
LegiScan roll call
April 1, 2026

House: 3rd reading, passed 76-12 with Committee Substitute (1)

Yea: 76
Nay: 12
April 1, 2026

Senate: Passed 37-0

Yea: 37
Nay: 0