Missouri House Bill HB1707

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Requires certain family members to identify bodies of deceased persons

Impact

This bill will have a significant impact on laws governing the identification of deceased individuals in Missouri. By formalizing the responsibilities of family members, it seeks to create a clearer protocol for law enforcement and medical examiners when dealing with deceased persons. The proposed law aims to ensure that bodies of the deceased are identified promptly, potentially aiding in investigations and providing closure to families. Conversely, it also emphasizes the need for legislative clarity regarding who is responsible for providing identification as this can sometimes conflict with ongoing investigations.

Summary

House Bill 1707 aims to amend Chapter 58 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section that outlines the responsibilities of family members in identifying deceased individuals. This legislation specifies that if a body of a person under eighteen is recovered, a parent or legal guardian must identify the person within forty-eight hours, provided certain conditions are met. Similar requirements are placed on a spouse, parent, or adult child of individuals eighteen years and older, seeking to streamline the process of body identification for both age groups.

Contention

Notably, critics may raise concerns regarding the implications of this legislation on the grieving process and the potential challenges faced by families in meeting the strict timeline for identification. Furthermore, the section allowing for injunctive relief for those denied access to view the body could lead to legal disputes and operational challenges for law enforcement. There may also be discussions around the appropriateness of establishing such a timeframe and whether it adequately considers the emotional circumstances surrounding death.