Washington § 68.50.230 - Human remains that have not been disposed — Rules.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 68.50.230 — Human remains that have not been disposed — Rules., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 68.50.230. Human remains that have not been disposed — Rules.

(1) Whenever any human remains shall have been in the lawful possession of any person, firm, corporation, county, or association for a period of 45 days or more, and the relatives of, or persons interested in, the deceased person shall fail, neglect, or refuse to direct the disposition, the human remains may be disposed of by the person, firm, corporation, county, or association having such lawful possession thereof, under and in accordance with rules adopted by the funeral and cemetery board, not inconsistent with any statute of the state of Washington or rule adopted by the state board of health.

(2)(a) The department of veterans affairs may certify that the deceased person to whom subsection (1) of this section applies was a veteran or the dependent of a veteran eligible for interment at a federal or state veterans' cemetery.

(b) Upon certification of eligible veteran or dependent of a veteran status under (a) of this subsection, the person, firm, corporation, county, or association in possession of the veteran's or veteran's dependent's remains shall transfer the custody and control of the remains to the department of veterans affairs.

(i) A private right of action against the state or its officers and employees or instrumentalities, or against any person, firm, corporation, county, or association transferring the remains; or

(ii) Liability on behalf of the state, the state's officers, employees, or instrumentalities; or on behalf of the person, firm, corporation, county, or association transferring the remains.

[ 2024 c 57 s 1. Prior: 2009 c 102 s 20; 2009 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 365 s 146; 1985 c 402 s 9; 1979 c 158 s 218; 1937 c 108 s 14; RRS s 8323-3. Formerly RCW 68.08.230.]

Notes

Funeral directors and embalmers account and cemetery account abolished, moneys transferred to funeral and cemetery account—2009 c 102: See note following RCW 18.39.010.

Legislative finding—1985 c 402: See note following RCW 68.50.185.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 68.50.230

What does Revised Code of Washington § 68.50.230 cover?

Section 68.50.230 ("Human remains that have not been disposed — Rules.") 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 § 68.50.230?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 68.50.230" (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.

How does Washington § 68.50.230 apply to my situation?

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

Official text of § 68.50.230 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.