Cremation of Unclaimed Remains

SECTION 38.   Section 43M of chapter 114 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

A board of health may authorize the cremation of unclaimed remains by signing a cremation form for unclaimed remains under the following circumstances: (i) the unclaimed remains shall be in a location that is within the jurisdiction of the board of health; and (ii) the board of health has received notice that either no person has come forward to claim the remains or that no person may legally claim the remains; provided, however, that the board of health shall wait 30 days after such notification under this clause prior to signing the cremation form. There shall be no liability for a board of health or an employee or agent thereof that authorizes the disposal of unclaimed remains in accordance with this section.