AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT

This bill proposes to increase the standard funeral and burial allowance provided by the state Department of Human Services from $900 to $1,500. It directly affects deceased residents of the state whose families or legally liable relatives are eligible for public assistance benefits. The legislation amends existing laws to raise the maximum amount the department can pay for reasonable funeral and burial expenses while maintaining current rules regarding income exclusions and contributions from friends or relatives. Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures for handling unclaimed bodies and authorizes the director to arrange burials even if the deceased's assets technically disqualify them from the standard payment.