STORM FILES SB 221 TO STRENGTHEN PENALTIES FOR ABUSE OF A CORPSE
FRANKFORT, KY. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, recently filed Senate Bill (SB) 221 to strengthen Kentucky law relating to abuse of a corpse and to ensure greater accountability in handling and final disposition of human remains.
SB 221 amends KRS 525.120 to clarify and expand criminal penalties for individuals who violate the trust placed in them during funeral and burial arrangements. The bill makes it a Class D felony to knowingly accept payment for the preparation, burial, or cremation of a body and then deliberately fail to carry out those services in accordance with the contract.
The legislation also prohibits the purchase, sale, or transfer of a corpse or any part of a corpse for compensation once final disposition has been authorized through burial or cremation.
“When families entrust someone with the care of their loved one, that trust must never be violated,” Storm said. “This legislation strengthens accountability and ensures that those who exploit grieving families or mishandle human remains face serious consequences.”
Abuse of a corpse remains classified as a Class D felony under Kentucky law. SB 221 reinforces that standard and clarifies specific conduct that constitutes criminal behavior.
SB 221 has been filed and is pending further action by the Kentucky General Assembly.
Learn more about bills, committees, and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.legislature.ky.gov.