Bill: HB 298, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Criminal Justice
Companion Bill
SB 239
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Lyle Larson
Sponsor(s)
Donna Campbell
Bill Caption
Relating to a parent's right to view the body of a deceased child before an autopsy is performed.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would allow the parents of a deceased child to view the body of the child before the body is examined by a justice of the peace or medical examiner. If the child did not die at a hospital or other institution, the bill would require that the that the parent first obtain consent by the justice of the peace or medical examiner to see the body of the child.
Vote Recommendation Notes
It is the right of a parent to see the body of their deceased child before an autopsy occurs and not the job of the government to prevent a parent from seeing their own child, especially in this circumstance. This bill contains sufficient safeguards to ensure that a parent who may be suspected of involvement in the child's death could not use this law as a way to tamper with the body. We support HB 298.
