PIERRE, S.D. (KELO.com) — Vague and outdated laws regarding the disposition of corpses is causing high stress and expenses for families and funeral directors when a dispute arises.
Lawmakers in South Dakota are moving quickly on a bill to clarify so-called “disposition” laws to make the process clearer and ease tension for families and funeral directors.
A bill moving quickly through the legislative process would enact eight separate sections of legal language that would spell out specifically how bodies should be handled after death. Backers say the bill is needed because South Dakota is behind other states in regulating burials and cremations, and because disposition disputes are becoming more common.
In the latest article published by South Dakota News Watch, available here, reporter Bart Pfankuch provides a look at current laws and an examination of the proposed legislation and also shares stories of disputes that could have been avoided.