Death - As introduced, requires, if the person or government agency assuming custody of a body for the purposes of burial does not request an autopsy, or that the body be embalmed, the person or agency to ensure that the body is buried within 48 hours from the time when the person or agency waives the ability to request an autopsy or embalming of the body. - Amends TCA Title 34, Chapter 6, Part 37; Title 38; Title 50; Title 56; Title 62, Chapter 5; Title 62, Chapter 6 and Title 68.

SB 1145 requires funeral homes or government agencies handling bodies for burial to bury the body within 48 hours if they do not request an autopsy or embalming. This applies when the agency waives its right to request either procedure. The rule does not apply if an autopsy is legally required under existing laws (such as Tennessee’s Post-Mortem Examination Act in Title 38). The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends multiple Tennessee code sections governing burial procedures.