STORM BILL STRENGTHENING KENTUCKY LAW AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN HUMAN REMAINS PASSES SENATE
FRANKFORT, KY. (March 12, 2026) — The Kentucky Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, to strengthen Kentucky law against the unlawful sale or transfer of human remains.
Senate Bill (SB) 221 would make it a Class D felony to knowingly purchase, sell or transfer a corpse or any part of a corpse after the remains have been authorized for burial or cremation.
Storm, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the bill addresses troubling cases reported in other states where human remains were improperly sold after individuals had donated their bodies for medical research or education.
“Families deserve the peace of mind that their loved ones will be treated with dignity and respect,” Storm said. “This legislation helps close a gap in state law by making it clear that once remains have been prepared for burial or cremation, they cannot be commercially transferred without proper authorization.”
Storm said the bill ensures Kentucky law clearly prohibits the trafficking of human remains once final disposition has been authorized.
SB 221 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Learn more about bills, committees, and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.