Washington § 68.50.050 - Removal or concealment of body — Penalty.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 68.50.050 — Removal or concealment of body — Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 68.50.050. Removal or concealment of body — Penalty.

(1) Any person, not authorized or directed by the coroner or medical examiner or their deputies, who removes the body of a deceased person not claimed by a relative or friend, or moves, disturbs, molests, or interferes with the human remains coming within the jurisdiction of the coroner or medical examiner as set forth in RCW 68.50.010, to any undertaking rooms or elsewhere, or any person who knowingly directs, aids, or abets such unauthorized moving, disturbing, molesting, or taking, and any person who knowingly conceals the human remains, shall in each of said cases be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(2) In evaluating whether it is necessary to retain jurisdiction and custody of human remains under RCW 68.50.010, 68.50.645, and 27.44.055, the coroner or medical examiner shall consider the deceased's religious beliefs, if known, including the tenets, customs, or rites related to death and burial.
(3) For purposes of this section and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, "human remains" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 68.04.020. Human remains also includes, but is not limited to, skeletal remains.
[ 2016 c 221 s 1; 2011 c 96 s 48; 1917 c 90 s 7; RRS s 6046. Formerly RCW 68.08.050.]

Notes

Findings—Intent—2011 c 96: See note following RCW 9A.20.021.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 68.50.050

What does Revised Code of Washington § 68.50.050 cover?

Section 68.50.050 ("Removal or concealment of body — Penalty.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 68.50.050?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 68.50.050" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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