Bill on cremation for indigent SD residents passes

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PIERRE (AP) — South Dakota counties could choose to cremate deceased indigents if an amended House bill becomes law.

In South Dakota, counties pay funeral expenses when a destitute resident dies. Local Government Committee members have passed a bill that allows county commissioners to choose cremation over burials in the absence of family or personal funds.

The bill also allows commissioners to decide each year how much a county will pay for each casket burial or cremation.

Last week, the panel delayed voting until the South Dakota Funeral Directors Association and the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners could meet to iron out details.

Lawmakers on Tuesday voted unanimously in favor of the bill. It now goes to the full House.

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