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…

Cemeteries and Burials Coroners Counties Deaths Local Government Religion Local Mandate

Introduced: January 6, 2026

Last action: April 13, 2026

(Acts Ch. 127)

In effect since July 15, 2026

Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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This bill updates Kentucky law on how unclaimed bodies are handled by coroners. It gives the government agency paying for the burial or cremation the authority to decide which method is used, while requiring the coroner to be consulted first. It also establishes a process to contact specific religious organizations, including Chabad of the Bluegrass, if the deceased is known to be Jewish or a member of a religious community that has agreed in advance…

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