LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A new bill introduced in the Arkansas legislature aims to address a disturbing and sensitive issue by making it a criminal offense to sell cadavers or body parts intended for cremation. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 17, would impose severe penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 and a five-year prison term for each violation.
The legislation, known as “Lux’s Law,” is named in memory of a stillborn baby from Little Rock whose remains were allegedly stolen and sold by an employee at a local mortuary and crematorium. According to the Department of Justice, the mother of the child, referred to as Lux, received cremated remains that federal investigators later determined were not those of her child.
A Nationwide Scandal: Arkansas Connection to Federal Case
This case is part of a broader investigation involving stolen human remains. Federal authorities have linked the Arkansas incident to a larger criminal network involving the sale of cadavers and body parts. Notably, a former Harvard Medical School morgue manager was indicted last year for allegedly stealing and selling human brains, skin, and other body parts. These unsettling revelations highlight the need for stronger regulations and enforcement in handling human remains.
Strict Liability and Legal Implications
If enacted, Lux’s Law would classify violations as strict liability offenses. This means that violators would be held accountable regardless of their intentions or mental state at the time of the crime. The legislation’s proponents argue that this is necessary to ensure accountability and to protect the dignity of the deceased and their grieving families.
Legislative Session Set to Begin
The Arkansas legislature will begin its 2024 session on Jan. 13, and Senate Bill 17 is expected to draw significant attention. Advocates for the bill emphasize that the proposed law not only seeks to deter future violations but also serves as a step toward justice for families like Lux’s who have suffered unimaginable pain.
As lawmakers prepare to debate this bill, it underscores the importance of safeguarding the deceased’s dignity and ensuring that families can trust the institutions handling their loved ones’ remains.
This legislation shines a spotlight on an issue that extends beyond Arkansas, sparking conversations about ethical practices, regulatory oversight, and the legal consequences for those who violate public trust in the handling of human remains.
