(1) The legislative authority for each county must designate a proper authority to be responsible, at the expense of the county, for the lawful disposition of the remains of any deceased indigent veteran or deceased family member of an indigent veteran who died without leaving means sufficient to defray funeral expenses. The costs of such a disposition may not exceed the limit established by the county legislative authority nor be less than three hundred dollars.

(2) If the deceased has relatives or friends who desire to conduct the disposition of such deceased person‘s remains, then a sum not to exceed the limit established by the county legislative authority nor less than three hundred dollars must be paid to the relatives or friends by the county auditor, or by the chief financial officer in a county operating under a charter. Payment must be made to the relatives or friends upon presenting to the auditor or chief financial officer due proof of the death, disposition of the remains, and expenses incurred.

(3) Expenses incurred for the disposition of the remains of a deceased indigent veteran or the deceased family member of an indigent veteran as provided by this section must be paid from the veterans’ assistance fund authorized by RCW 73.08.080.

(4) Remains has the same meaning as provided in RCW 68.04.020.

Effective date—2019 c 432: See note following RCW 68.05.175.

Intent—2005 c 250: See note following RCW 73.08.005.

Counties, disposal of remains of indigent persons: RCW 36.39.030.