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: March 3, 2026

Last action: March 10, 2026

To Health Services (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 under a coroner's investigation, if certain family members or the person responsible for burial arrangements make a written request. It also clarifies who is financially responsible for paying for such an autopsy. Who it may affect: people who have lost a family member and wish to request an autopsy, as well as those responsible for arranging a loved one's burial or disposition.

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