SEARCH SITE
VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL
- Code of Virginia
- Virginia Administrative Code
- Constitution of Virginia
- Charters
- Authorities
- Compacts
- Uncodified Acts
- RIS Users (account required)
SEARCHABLE DATABASES
- Bills & Resolutions
session legislation - Bill Summaries
session summaries - Reports to the General Assembly
House and Senate documents - Legislative Liaisons
State agency contacts
ACROSS SESSIONS
- Subject Index: Since 1995
- Bills & Resolutions: Since 1994
- Summaries: Since 1994
Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.
2010 SESSION
10103141DBe it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 54.1-2811.1 as follows:
§ 54.1-2811.1. Handling and storage of human remains.
A. Upon taking custody thereof, a funeral establishment shall ensure that a dead human body is embalmed or maintained in refrigeration at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less if it is to be stored for more than 48 hours.
B. If a dead unembalmed human body is to be stored for more than 48 hours, it shall be maintained in a container that (i) can be closed in order to provide complete covering for the body and (ii) is resistant to leakage or spillage.
C. If a dead human body is to be stored at a location other than the funeral establishment that has taken custody of it, the funeral establishment shall disclose to the contract buyer the location where the body is to be stored and the method of storage.
D. Funeral establishments, crematories, or transportation services shall not transport animal remains together with dead human bodies. Further, animal remains shall not be refrigerated in a unit where dead human bodies are being stored.