WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 1372

An Act to eliminate fees for the removal of a child’s body by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Homar Gomez

Massachusetts bill eliminates fees families pay to the state medical examiner's office for removing deceased children's bodies, reducing financial burden during grieving.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1372

Legislative bill overview

HD 1372 would eliminate fees that families currently pay to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) for removing a deceased child's body. Currently, Massachusetts charges families for this service, which can create financial hardship during an already traumatic time. The bill seeks to make this removal service free of charge when the deceased is a minor.

Why is this important

Families grieving the loss of a child already face substantial costs for funeral services, medical expenses, and other death-related expenses. Removing the OCME fee reduces financial barriers during a vulnerable period and may particularly help lower-income families avoid additional debt. This change treats child death as a matter of public health rather than placing the full cost burden on bereaved families.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: The OCME would absorb the cost of these removals, requiring either budget reallocation or reduced services elsewhere in the office
  • Definition of scope: The bill's language on which removals qualify (accidental deaths, medical examiner cases, etc.) and whether it applies to all minors or specific circumstances may need clarification
  • Precedent and scope creep: Eliminating fees for one service category could lead to requests to eliminate other death-related government fees

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.