MO HB1696

Defines "right of sepulcher" as the right to choose and control burial, cremation, or other final disposition of a deceased person's body

Establishes priority order for next-of-kin to exercise disposition rights: designated attorney in fact, military designee (DD Form 93), surviving spouse (unless divorce pending), surviving children, parents/guardians, siblings, other relatives, friends assuming financial responsibility, and finally county coroner

Adds new provisions for deceased minors with court-appointed guardians, granting the guardian disposition rights unless criminally investigated for the minor's death; allows guardians to opt out during guardianship proceedings

Requires individuals with superior claims be notified before final arrangements and creates a 48-hour waiver period if no objection is made; disputes among equal-priority relatives resolved by majority vote

Adds requirement that religious, cultural, family, and individual beliefs of the deceased shall be considered when disposing of human remains