Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB1696: Modifies provisions relating to the right of sepulcher
Status: Signed into law, July 13, 2026
What the bill says
From the engrossed text:
3999S.04F SENATE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 1696 To repeal section 194.119, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the right of sepulcher. Section A. Section 194.119, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 194.119, to read as follows: 194.119. 1. As used in this section, the term "right of sepulcher" means the right to choose and control the burial, cremation, or other final disposition of a dead human body. 2. For purposes of this chapter and chapters 193, 333, and 436, and in all cases relating to the custody, control, and disposition of deceased human remains, including the common law right of sepulcher, where not otherwise defined, the term "next-of-kin" means the following persons in the priority listed if such person is eighteen years of age or older, is mentally competent, and is willing to assume responsibility for the costs of disposition: (1) An attorney in fact designated in a durable power of attorney wherein the deceased specifically granted the right of sepulcher over his or her body to such attorney in fact; (2) For a decedent who was on active duty in the United States military at the time of death, the person designated by such …
Sponsors
- Mazzie Christensen (R, 002) · primary sponsor
- Elliott, Keith (R, 153)
- Ann Kelley (R, 127)
- Durnell, Lisa (R, 154)
- Jeff Myers (R, 042)
Latest actions
- : Delivered to Secretary of State (G)
- : Approved by Governor (G)
- : Delivered to Governor
- : Signed by President Pro Tem (S)
- : Signed by House Speaker (H)
- : House Message (H)
- : Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed - AYES: 139 NOES: 3 PRESENT: 1
- : House Adopts (H) - AYES: 134 NOES: 3 PRESENT: 1
- : Taken Up
- : Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0
Votes
- Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed (May 15, 2026): 139 yea, 3 nay, passed
- Third Read and Passed with Amendments (S) - SA 1 AYES: 29 NOES: 1 PRESENT: 0 (May 15, 2026): 29 yea, 1 nay, passed
- Reported Do Pass (H) (May 15, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Adopts (H) (May 15, 2026): 134 yea, 3 nay, passed
- Third Read and Passed (H) (March 12, 2026): 140 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Reported Do Pass (H) (February 23, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB1696?
- HB1696 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Modifies provisions relating to the right of sepulcher.
- What is the status of HB1696?
- Signed into law as of July 13, 2026. Latest action: Delivered to Secretary of State (G) (July 13, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1696?
- Mazzie Christensen (R, 002), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1696?
- On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB1696&year=2026&code=R
Source: official Missouri record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.