AR SB526

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-29-311(f) to establish storage requirements for dead human bodies that are not buried or disposed of within a board-determined timeframe, requiring embalming or refrigeration as determined by the Department of Health.

Requires funeral establishments and crematories to maintain complete coverage of dead human bodies and prevent leakage or spillage by proper storage in refrigeration or preparation rooms, except during identification, embalming, preparation, restoration, dressing, or viewing.

Mandates that funeral establishments and crematories treat dead human bodies with dignity and respect as determined by board rule, and requires 24-hour notification to the board and next of kin if transfer becomes necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

Prohibits embalming or artificial preservation of a dead human body without express permission from a person or entity with legal authority under the Arkansas Final Disposition Rights Act of 2009 or a court order.

Prohibits funeral establishments, crematories, and transport services from storing or transporting dead human bodies together with animal remains in the same confined space.