MS SB2183

Amends Section 41-39-5 of the Mississippi Code to allow either the board of supervisors or the coroner to direct burial or cremation of unclaimed dead bodies, previously limited to the board of supervisors alone.

Requires physicians, hospitals, funeral directors, embalmers, coroners, or other persons acquiring unclaimed dead bodies to notify the board of supervisors or coroner within 48 hours and provide available identification information.

Authorizes burial or cremation if the body remains unclaimed for 5 days after written notice to interested parties, with the board of supervisors or coroner directing disposition.

Assigns expenses for burial, cremation, preservation, and residue burial to the decedent's estate, liable parties, or the county of residence; if neither can pay, expenses fall to the county where the body is located.

Prohibits county expenditures exceeding budgeted amounts for these purposes without prior board of supervisors approval, effective July 1, 2016.