AN ACT relating to deceased persons.

Amend KRS 72.425 to require the state medical examiner to perform an autopsy on a decedent when the death of the person is not a coroner's case if a request is made by written consent by the decedent's spouse, the next of kin, or the person who assumes the responsibility to dispose of the body, as applicable; amend KRS 72.460 to specify who pays for an autopsy.

Introduced: February 12, 2025

Last action: February 14, 2025

To Judiciary (H)

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This bill would require the state medical examiner to perform an autopsy on a deceased person, even when the death is not a coroner's case, if a close family member or the person responsible for burial arrangements requests it in writing. It also clarifies who is responsible for paying the cost of such an autopsy. Who it may affect: families and next of kin of deceased Kentuckians, and individuals responsible for handling burial arrangements.

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