MN HF454

Amends Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 149A.80, subdivision 2 to modify the priority order for who may control disposition of a deceased person's remains.

Adds "domestic partner" as third in the priority list (after persons appointed in writing and spouse) for determining right to control final disposition of a deceased person's remains.

Defines "domestic partners" as adults who are mentally competent, share financial obligations and common residence, have committed interdependent relationship, are not married to others, and are not related by blood or adoption in ways that would prohibit marriage.

Renumbers subsequent priority classes: adult children become priority 4, surviving parents become priority 5, adult siblings become priority 6, and next degree of kinship becomes priority 7.

Clarifies that appropriate public or court authority includes the county board where death occurred (if person dies without financial means) or the district court in the death county.