Section 34-26A-23 - Responsibility of authorizing agent for disposition--Disposal of unclaimed remains--Reimbursement--Record--Discharge from liability. - South Dakota Statutes

34-26A-23. Responsibility of authorizing agent for disposition--Disposal of unclaimed remains--Reimbursement--Record--Discharge from liability. The authorizing agent is responsible for the disposition of the cremated remains. If, after a period of thirty days from the date of cremation, the authorizing agent has not specified the ultimate disposition or claimed the cremated remains, the crematory authority or the person in possession of the cremated remains may dispose of the cremated remains in any manner permitted by law. The authorizing agent is responsible for reimbursing the crematory authority for all reasonable expenses incurred in disposing of the cremated remains pursuant to this section. A record of such disposition shall be made and kept by the person making the disposition. Upon disposing of cremated remains under this section, the crematory authority or person in possession of the cremated remains is discharged from any legal obligation or liability concerning the cremated remains. This provision applies to all cremated remains currently in the possession of a crematory authority or other party.

Source: SL 1988, ch 283, § 23.