10 LC 38 1086

House Bill 1421

By: Representatives Reese of the 98th, Sims of the 169th, Yates of the 73rd, and Johnson of the 37th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Code Section 43-18-80 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to authorizing agent regarding the disposition of cremains, so as to provide for the disposition of certain cremains of veterans; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Code Section 43-18-80 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to authorizing agent regarding the disposition of cremains, is amended by adding a new subsection (e) as follows:

"(e) Prior to disposing cremains pursuant to subsection (d) of this Code section a funeral director shall take all reasonable measures to determine if such remains are that of a veteran of the armed services. If the funeral director is able to document that such cremains belong to a veteran, the funeral director shall either dispose of the cremains at the nearest appropriate resting place for veterans or be authorized to transfer possession of the cremains to a recognized veterans organization for appropriate disposition. Any recognized veteran's organization taking possession of cremains pursuant to this subsection shall provide the funeral director in possession of such cremains with an affidavit stating the arrangements that have been made for the disposition of such cremains. A funeral director disposing of cremains pursuant to this subsection shall be immune from any civil liability relating to the final disposition of such cremains."

SECTION 2.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.