Modify the offense of abuse of a corpse

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nathan Manning

SB 432 redefines abuse of a corpse and gross abuse, assigning harsher penalties for egregious acts—outlining professional and community standards for handling human remains.

Referred to committee

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Purpose and intent

The bill amends section 2927.01 of the Ohio Revised Code to modify offenses related to the treatment of human corpses and disinterment.

The intent appears to strengthen penalties for certain acts involving corpses and to clarify what constitutes “abuse” or “gross abuse” of a corpse, including professional standards.

Key provisions and changes

Section 2927.01 (A) – Abuse of a corpse

Prohibited conduct (A): “No person, except as authorized by law, shall treat a human corpse in a way that the person knows would outrage reasonable family sensibilities,” and specifically: 1) Abuse a corpse;
2) Disinter, remove, or carry away a corpse.

This establishes that acts violating this subsection are offenses when they would outrage reasonable family sensibilities.

Section 2927.01 (B) – Gross abuse of a corpse

Prohibited conduct (B): “No person, except as authorized by law, shall treat a human corpse in a way that would outrage reasonable community sensibilities,” and specifically: 1) Engage in sexual activity with or involving a corpse;
2) Dismember, mutilate, cut, or strike a corpse.

This targets more egregious offenses that would outrage the broader community.

Penalties (Section 2927.01 (C))

Violation of (A): Guilty of abuse of a corpse, misdemeanor of the second degree or a higher offense as specified (text indicates “felony of the fifth degree” but formatting suggests a possible tiered structure; actual grade is unclear due to drafting).

Violation of (B): Guilty of gross abuse of a corpse, felony of the fifth degree.

The bill distinguishes between “abuse” (less severe) and “gross abuse” (more severe, with a felony designation).

Definitions (Section 2927.01 (D))

“Abuse a corpse” includes:

Treatment of a corpse in a manner not recognized by generally accepted community standards, or
Treatment by a professional in a manner not generally accepted as suitable practice by other professionals (as defined by rules applicable to the profession).

The definition covers both laypersons and professionals, subject to professional rules.

Repeal

The bill repeals the existing section 2927.01 and replaces it with the amended text.

Who or what would be affected

Individuals and professionals who handle human corpses (e.g., funeral directors, medical professionals, mortuary staff) would be subject to the updated standards and penalties.

Victims’ families and the broader community are given a framework to consider “outrage” by certain acts involving corpses.

Law enforcement and prosecutors would apply the new categories (abuse vs. gross abuse) and associated penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the 136th General Assembly (S. B. No. 432) by Senator Manning, with Co-sponsor Senator Nathan Manning.

The text shows the intended statutory change to replace current language; no specific effective date is included in the introduced text. Implementation would depend on passage by the General Assembly and any required rule-adoption for professional definitions.

Notes

The bill’s language includes two potential drafting ambiguities around sentencing (A: “misdemeanor second degree or felony of the fifth degree” vs. “gross abuse” penalties). If enacted, final codified language and any accompanying rules would clarify the exact penalty framework.

The bill focuses on redefining standards of conduct with corpses and elevating certain acts to felony status under “gross abuse.”

Bill