CT HB06675

Amends Connecticut General Statutes Section 45a-318 to modify spousal rights regarding funeral arrangement decisions, effective October 1, 2013.

Disqualifies a spouse from making funeral disposition decisions if they have been charged with murder, manslaughter, or related homicide crimes (sections 53a-54a through 53a-55a) in connection with the deceased spouse's death or a minor child's death, provided charges are pending or conviction has occurred.

Disqualifies a spouse from funeral decision-making authority if they have been charged with sexual offenses under section 53-21 or chapter 952 against a minor child of the deceased, provided charges are pending or conviction has occurred.

Maintains existing disqualifications for spouses who abandoned the deceased prior to death or have been adjudged incapable by court, with decision-making authority passing to surviving adult children, then parents, siblings, and other relatives in order of kinship.

Protects funeral directors from legal challenge when they reasonably carry out disposition directions in reliance on executed documents or when applying the revised spousal disqualification criteria.