HF 2349: Relating to the final disposition of human remains

What it does

This bill relates to the final disposition of human remains. The bill vests the authority to control the final disposition of a decedent’s cremated remains in the next competent adult listed in Code section 144C.5 (final disposition of remains —— right to control) if a designee or person with the authority to control the decedent’s remains does not claim the cremated remains within calendar days after receipt of a written notice from a third party. The bill also makes technical changes to Code section 144C.8 (forfeiture of authority to control) by changing certain references to “declarant” to “decedent” and adding a reference to the person granted authority pursuant to Code chapter 144C (final disposition Act).

House subcommittee · named January 15, 2026

• Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Samantha Fett (R) · samantha.fett@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Dr. Megan L. Srinivas (D) · megan.srinivas@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 0 against

For: Association of Iowa Cemeteries; Iowa Funeral Directors Association

In plain words

1. January 15, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee · as HSB 568
2. January 15, 2026House subcommittee named: Wheeler, Fett and Srinivas · as HSB 568
3. January 28, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 568
4. February 5, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 568
5. February 5, 2026Committee vote: 21–0 · as HSB 568
6. February 9, 2026Filed in the House
7. February 9, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2349 · as HSB 568
8. February 26, 2026Passed the House, 90–0
9. March 2, 2026Arrived in the Senate
10. March 2, 2026Took the place of SF 2040 on the Senate floor (the same legislation)
11. March 2, 2026Passed the Senate, 44–0
12. April 9, 2026Sent to the Governor
13. April 9, 2026Signed into law