HCS/HB 394 - This act defines the term "next-of-kin" for purposes of chapters concerning vital statistics, disposition of dead bodies, the licensing of embalmers and funeral directors and special purpose contracts as such chapters relate to the custody, control and disposition of deceased human remains. The act lists the persons in terms of priority who are considered a deceased person's next-of-kin. A deceased person's next-of-kin may control final disposition of the remains if they assume all costs for disposition. Funeral directors are entitled to rely and act on the lawful instructions of the claimed next-of-kin. A person can designate any person to be his or her next-of-kin by a verified written instrument, including a will or trust.
JIM ERTLE

SCA 1 - CORRECTS TECHNICAL ERROR TO PROVIDE THAT THE ORDER FOR NEXT-OF-KIN IS DETERMINED BY SUBDIVISIONS 3 TO 8 OF SUBSECTION 2