Senate approves bill letting local officials choose cremation for indigent decedents

The Kentucky Senate adopted Senate Bill 27, as amended, on Jan. 23, 2026, allowing local governing bodies or fiscal courts to consult with coroners and choose cremation for deceased persons when next of kin do not take possession or cannot be found after a bona fide 30-day search.

Senator from Clark, explaining the bill, described it as a local-control measure to give decision-making entities the option of cremation where statute currently requires burial. He said the change would apply only after a genuine effort to locate next of kin for at least 30 days and may also allow religious organizations to take possession of a body if appropriate.

The Senate adopted the committee substitute (Senate committee sub 1) and then passed SB27; the roll call recorded 35 yays and no nays. No member requested changes to votes or offered further debate on the floor record.

Supporters described the bill as giving local officials a practical option when families cannot or will not claim remains; the committee substitute clarifies consultation with the coroner's office and retains protections for known religious affiliations. The change will require local entities to follow the statutory processes the bill describes before cremation may be chosen.