RCW 68.60.030 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 60 / Section 030
RCW 68.60.030: Preservation and maintenance corporations—Authorization of other corporations to restore, maintain, and protect abandoned cemeteries.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The department of archaeology and historic preservation may grant, by nontransferable certificate, the authority to maintain and protect an abandoned cemetery upon application made by a state or local governmental organization, such as a city or county, or by a preservation organization that has been incorporated for the purpose of restoring, maintaining, and protecting an abandoned cemetery. Such authority is limited to the care, maintenance, restoration, protection, and historical preservation of the abandoned cemetery, and does not include authority to make burials. In order to activate a historical cemetery for burials, an applicant must apply for a certificate of authority to operate a cemetery from the funeral and cemetery board. (b) Those organizations that are granted authority to maintain and protect an abandoned cemetery are entitled to hold and possess burial records, maps, and other historical documents as may exist. Organizations that are granted authority to maintain and protect an abandoned cemetery are not liable to those claiming burial rights, ancestral ownership, or to any other person or organization alleging to have control by any form of conveyance not previously recorded at the county auditor's office within the county in which the abandoned cemetery exists. Such organizations are not liable for any reasonable alterations made during restoration work on memorials, roadways, walkways, features, plantings, or any other detail of the abandoned cemetery. (c) Should the maintenance and preservation corporation be dissolved, the department of archaeology and historic preservation shall revoke the certificate of authority. (d) Maintenance and preservation corporations that are granted authority to maintain and protect an abandoned cemetery may establish care funds. (2) Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the department of archaeology and historic preservation may, in its sole discretion, authorize any Washington nonprofit corporation that is not expressly incorporated for the purpose of restoring, maintaining, and protecting an abandoned cemetery, to restore, maintain, and protect one or more abandoned cemeteries. The authorization may include the right of access to any burial records, maps, and other historical documents, but may not include the right to be the permanent custodian of original records, maps, or documents. This authorization must be granted by a nontransferable certificate of authority. Any nonprofit corporation authorized and acting under this subsection is immune from liability to the same extent as if it were a preservation organization holding a certificate of authority under subsection (1) of this section. (3) The department of archaeology and historic preservation must establish standards and guidelines for granting certificates of authority under subsections (1) and (2) of this section to assure that any restoration, maintenance, and protection activities authorized under this subsection are conducted and supervised in an appropriate manner.
RCW 68.24.240 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 240
RCW 68.24.240: Certain cemetery lands exempt from taxes, etc.—1901 c 147.
Status: in_force

Upon compliance with the requirements of *this act said lands shall forever be exempt from taxation, judgment and other liens and executions.
RCW 68.52.030 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 030
RCW 68.52.030: Counties and cities may provide for burial, acquire cemeteries, etc.
Status: in_force

Each and every county, town or city, shall have power to provide a hearse and pall for burial of the dead, and to procure and hold lands for burying grounds, and to make regulations and fence the same, and to preserve the monuments erected therein, and to levy and collect the necessary taxes for that purpose, in the same manner as other taxes are levied and collected.
RCW 68.24.170 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 170
RCW 68.24.170: Record of ownership and transfers.
Status: in_force

A record shall be kept of the ownership of all plots or rights of interment in the cemetery, which have been conveyed by the cemetery authority and of all transfers of plots and rights of interment in the cemetery. No transfer of any plot or right of interment, shall be complete or effective until recorded on the books of the cemetery authority.
RCW 68.46.070 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 46 / Section 070
RCW 68.46.070: Involuntary termination of contract—Refund.
Status: in_force

Prearrangement contracts shall terminate upon demand of the purchaser of the contract if the cemetery authority shall go out of business, become insolvent or bankrupt, make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or for any other reason be unable to fulfill the obligations under the contract. Upon demand by the purchaser or beneficiary or beneficiaries of any prearrangement contract, the cemetery authority shall refund one hundred percent of the original contract, less delivered services and merchandise, including funds held in deposit and interest earned thereon, unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
RCW 68.44.110 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 44 / Section 110
RCW 68.44.110: Trustees of fund.
Status: in_force

Unless an association of lot owners has been created for the purpose of appointing trustees, the cemetery authority shall appoint a minimum of three trustees for its endowment care fund, who shall hold office subject to the direction of the cemetery authority.
RCW 68.32.140 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 32 / Section 140
RCW 68.32.140: Termination of vested right by waiver.
Status: in_force

A vested right of placement may be waived and is terminated upon the placement elsewhere of the remains of the person in whom vested.
RCW 68.32.090 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 32 / Section 090
RCW 68.32.090: Joint tenants—Identification.
Status: in_force

An affidavit by any person having knowledge of the fact of the death of one joint tenant and establishing the identity of the surviving joint tenants named in the deed to any plot or right of interment, when filed with the cemetery authority, is complete authorization to the cemetery authority to permit the use of the unoccupied portion of the plot or right of interment in accordance with the directions of the surviving joint tenants.
RCW 68.52.140 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 140
RCW 68.52.140: Formation of district and election of first commissioners.
Status: in_force

(1) After conducting the hearing on the petition, if the county legislative authority determines that the formation of the proposed cemetery district will be conducive to the public welfare and convenience, the county legislative authority must by resolution so declare, otherwise the county legislative authority must deny the petition. (2) If the county legislative authority finds in favor of the formation of the proposed district, the county legislative authority must designate the name and number of the proposed district, fix the boundaries of the proposed district, and cause an election to be held in the proposed district to determine whether the proposed district will be formed under the provisions of this chapter, and to elect the first cemetery district commissioners. (3) Three cemetery district commissioners must be elected at the election to determine whether the proposed district will be formed, but the election of the commissioners is null and void if the district is not formed. No primary will be held for the office of cemetery district commissioner. A special filing period must be opened as provided in RCW 29A.24.171 and 29A.24.181 . Candidates must run for specific commissioner positions. The person receiving the greatest number of votes for each commissioner position is elected to that position. The terms of office of the initial commissioners are as provided in RCW 68.52.220 .
RCW 68.28.065 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 28 / Section 065
RCW 68.28.065: Court to fix costs.
Status: in_force

The costs, expenses and disbursements shall be fixed by the court having jurisdiction of the case.
RCW 68.52.170 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 170
RCW 68.52.170: Canvass of returns—Votes required for district formation.
Status: in_force

(1) The returns of the election must be canvassed following the election, but the canvass may be adjourned from time to time to await the receipt of election returns. Upon conclusion of the canvass, the canvassing officials must certify the results to the county legislative authority. (2) The cemetery district is formed if two-thirds of all votes cast at the election were in favor of the formation of the proposed district. However, in counties with only one municipality the district is formed if a majority of all votes cast at the election were in favor of the formation of the proposed district. (3) If the proposition to form the proposed district received the voter approval required under this section, the county legislative authority must by resolution recorded in the county legislative authority's minutes: Declare the district formed under the name and number previously designated; and declare the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes for cemetery district commissioners as the duly elected first commissioners of the district. The clerk of the county legislative authority must certify a copy of the resolution and cause it to be filed for record in the offices of the county auditor and the county assessor of the county. The certified copy may be recorded without payment of a recording fee. (4) If the proposition to form the proposed district failed to receive the voter approval required under this section, the county legislative authority must record in the county legislative authority's minutes the failed vote, and all proceedings relating to the proposed district are null and void. (5) For the purposes of this section, "municipality" means a city or town.
RCW 68.04.230 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 230
RCW 68.04.230: "Lot" or "plot."
Status: in_force

"Lot" or "plot" means space in a cemetery, used or intended to be used for the interment of human remains.
RCW 68.52.040 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 040
RCW 68.52.040: Cities and towns may own, improve, etc., cemeteries.
Status: in_force

Any city or town may acquire, hold, or improve land for cemetery purposes, and may sell lots therein, and may provide by ordinance that a specified percentage of the proceeds therefrom be set aside and invested, and the income from the investment be used in the care of the lots, and may take and hold any property devised, bequeathed or given upon trust, and apply the income thereof for the improvement or embellishment of the cemeteries or the erection or preservation of structures, fences, or walks therein, or for the repair, preservation, erection, or renewal of any tomb, monument, gravestone, fence, railing, or other erection at or around a cemetery, lot, or plat, or for planting and cultivating trees, shrubs, flowers, or plants in or around the lot or plot, or for improving or embellishing the cemetery in any other manner or form consistent with the design and purpose of the city, according to the terms of the grant, devise, or bequest.
RCW 68.50.115 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 115
RCW 68.50.115: Coroner and medical examiner liability—Release of information.
Status: in_force

No coroner, medical examiner, or his or her designee shall be liable, nor shall a cause of action exist, for any loss or damage based upon the release of any information related to his or her findings under RCW 68.50.105 if the coroner, medical examiner, or his or her designee acted in good faith in attempting to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
RCW 68.20.065 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 20 / Section 065
RCW 68.20.065: Specific powers—Prevention of interment.
Status: in_force

It may prevent interment in any part of the cemetery of human remains not entitled to interment and prevent the use of interment plots for purposes violative of its restrictions or rules and regulations.
RCW 68.54.120 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 54 / Section 120
RCW 68.54.120: Merger and transfer of part of one district to adjacent district—Preexisting indebtedness.
Status: in_force

When a part of one cemetery district is transferred to another as provided by RCW 68.54.100 and 68.54.110 , said part shall be relieved of all liability for any indebtedness of the district from which it is withdrawn. However, the acquiring district shall pay to the losing district that portion of the latter's indebtedness for which the transferred part was liable. This amount shall not exceed the proportion that the assessed valuation of the transferred part bears to the assessed valuation of the whole district from which said part is withdrawn. The adjustment of such indebtedness shall be based on the assessment for the year in which the transfer is made. The boards of commissioners of the districts involved in the said transfer and merger shall enter into a contract for the payment by the acquiring district of the above-referred to indebtedness under such terms as they deem proper, provided such contract shall not impair the security of existing creditors.
RCW 68.04.170 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 170
RCW 68.04.170: "Niche."
Status: in_force

"Niche" means a space in a columbarium for placement of human remains.
RCW 68.54.070 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 54 / Section 070
RCW 68.54.070: Merger—Petition—When election dispensed with.
Status: in_force

If three-fifths of all the qualified electors in the merging district sign the petition to merge, no election on the question of the merger is necessary. In such case, the auditor shall return the petition, together with his or her certificate of sufficiency attached thereto, to the board of the merging district. Thereupon the boards of the respective districts shall adopt their concurrent resolutions of merger in the same manner and to the same effect as if the merger had been authorized by an election.
RCW 68.05.300 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 300
RCW 68.05.300: Unprofessional conduct—Disciplinary action.
Status: in_force

In addition to the unprofessional conduct described in RCW 18.235.130 , the board may take disciplinary action if the cemetery authority: (1) Fails to comply with any provision of this chapter or any proper order or regulation of the board; (2) Is found by the board to be in such condition that further execution of prearrangement contracts would be hazardous to purchasers or beneficiaries and the people of this state; or (3) Is found by the board after investigation or receipt of reliable information to be managed by persons who are incompetent or untrustworthy or so lacking in managerial experience as to make the proposed or continued operation hazardous to purchasers, beneficiaries, or the public.
RCW 68.64.030 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 64 / Section 030
RCW 68.64.030: Persons authorized to make an anatomical gift—During life of donor.
Status: in_force

Subject to RCW 68.64.070 , an anatomical gift of a donor's body or part may be made during the life of the donor in the manner provided in RCW 68.64.040 by: (1) The donor, if the donor is an adult or if the donor is a minor and is: (a) Emancipated; or (b) Authorized under state law to apply for a driver's license because the donor is at least fifteen and one-half years old; (2) An agent of the donor, unless the power of attorney for health care or other record prohibits the agent from making an anatomical gift; (3) A parent of the donor, if the donor is an unemancipated minor; provided, however, that an anatomical gift made pursuant to this subsection shall cease to be valid once the donor becomes either an emancipated minor or an adult; or (4) The donor's guardian.
RCW 68.60.080 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 60 / Section 080
RCW 68.60.080: Abandoned cemetery—Lawful entry purposes.
Status: in_force

It is lawful to enter an abandoned cemetery for purposes of: (1) Burials pursuant to RCW 68.60.070 and associated rules; (2) Care and maintenance activities authorized under RCW 68.60.030 ; and (3) Visitation of graves.
RCW 68.44.115 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 44 / Section 115
RCW 68.44.115: Trustee to file statement with board—Resignation of trusteeship.
Status: in_force

To be considered qualified as a trustee, each trustee of an endowment care fund appointed in accordance with this chapter shall file with the board a statement of acceptance of fiduciary responsibility, on a form approved by the board, before assuming the duties of trustee. The trustee shall remain in the trustee's fiduciary capacity until such time as the trustee advises the funeral and cemetery board in writing of the trustee's resignation of trusteeship.
RCW 68.24.070 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 070
RCW 68.24.070: Permanency of dedication.
Status: in_force

After property is dedicated to cemetery purposes pursuant to RCW 68.24.010 through 68.24.060 , neither the dedication, nor the title of a plot owner, shall be affected by the dissolution of the cemetery authority, by nonuser on its part, by alienation of the property, by any incumbrances, by sale under execution, or otherwise except as provided in *this act.
RCW 68.05.024 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 024
RCW 68.05.024: "Department" defined.
Status: in_force

"Department" used in this chapter means the department of licensing.
RCW 68.05.240 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 240
RCW 68.05.240: Interment, certificate of authority required—Penalty.
Status: in_force

It shall be a misdemeanor for any cemetery authority to make any interment without a valid, unsuspended certificate of authority. Each interment shall be a separate violation.
RCW 68.24.220 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 220
RCW 68.24.220: Burying place exempt from execution.
Status: in_force

Whenever any part of such burying ground shall have been designated and appropriated by the owners as the burying place of any particular person or family, the same shall not be liable to be taken or disposed of by any warrant, execution, tax, or debt whatever; nor shall the same be liable to be sold to satisfy the demands of creditors whenever the estate of the owner shall be insolvent.
RCW 68.46.060 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 46 / Section 060
RCW 68.46.060: Termination of contract by purchaser or beneficiary.
Status: in_force

Any purchaser or beneficiary may, upon written demand of any cemetery authority, demand that any prearrangement contract with such cemetery authority be terminated. In such event, the cemetery authority shall, within thirty days, refund to the purchaser or beneficiary fifty percent of the moneys received less the contractual price of any merchandise delivered or services performed before the termination plus interest earned. In any case, where, under a prearrangement contract there is more than one beneficiary, no written demand as provided in this section shall be honored by any cemetery authority unless the written demand provided for in this section shall bear the signatures of all of such beneficiaries.
RCW 68.04.290 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 290
RCW 68.04.290: "Alkaline hydrolysis" or "hydrolysis."
Status: in_force

"Alkaline hydrolysis" or "hydrolysis" means the reduction of human remains to bone fragments and essential elements in a licensed hydrolysis facility using heat, pressure, water, and base chemical agents.
RCW 68.50.904 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 904
RCW 68.50.904: Short title—1993 c 228.
Status: in_force

RCW * 68.50.520 through ** 68.50.630 and 68.50.901 through 68.50.903 may be cited as the "uniform anatomical gift act."
RCW 68.52.155 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 155
RCW 68.52.155: Conformity with election laws—Exception—Vacancies.
Status: in_force

Cemetery district elections shall conform with general election laws, except that there shall be no primary to nominate candidates. All persons filing and qualifying shall appear on the general election ballot and the person receiving the largest number of votes for each position shall be elected. A vacancy on a board of cemetery district commissioners shall occur and shall be filled as provided in chapter 42.12 RCW.
RCW 68.52.050 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 050
RCW 68.52.050: Cemetery improvement fund.
Status: in_force

All moneys received in the manner above provided shall be deposited with the city treasurer, and shall be kept apart in a fund known as the cemetery improvement fund, and shall be paid out only upon warrants drawn by the order of the cemetery board, if such a board exists, or by order of the body, department, commission, or committee duly authorized by ordinance to issue such an order, or by the legislative body of a city or town, which order shall be approved by such legislative body if such order is not issued by the legislative body, and shall be indorsed by the mayor and attested by the city comptroller or other authorized officer.
RCW 68.24.110 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 110
RCW 68.24.110: Sale of plots or rights of interment.
Status: in_force

After filing the map or plat and recording the declaration of dedication, a cemetery authority may sell and convey plots or rights of interment subject to the rules in effect or thereafter adopted by the cemetery authority. Plots or rights of interment may be subject to other limitations, conditions, and restrictions as may be part of the declaration of dedication by reference, or included in the instrument of conveyance of the plot or rights of interment.
RCW 68.24.040 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 040
RCW 68.24.040: Dedication, when complete.
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of the map or plat and the filing of the declaration for record, the dedication is complete for all purposes and thereafter the property shall be held, occupied, and used exclusively for a cemetery and for cemetery purposes.
RCW 68.46.055 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 46 / Section 055
RCW 68.46.055: Indebtedness limitations.
Status: in_force

No cemetery authority may enter into a retail contract for the purchase of debentures, shares, scrip, bonds, notes, or any instrument or evidence of indebtedness that requires the cemetery authority to furnish cemetery merchandise, services, or interment rights to the holder at a future date. This section does not include retail installment sales transactions governed by chapter 63.14 RCW.
RCW 68.56.020 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 56 / Section 020
RCW 68.56.020: Unlawful damage to graves, markers, shrubs, etc.—Civil liability for damage.
Status: in_force

Any person violating any provision of RCW 68.56.010 is liable, in a civil action by and in the name of the cemetery authority, to pay all damages occasioned by his or her unlawful acts. The sum recovered shall be applied in payment for the repair and restoration of the property injured or destroyed.
RCW 68.50.120 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 120
RCW 68.50.120: Holding body for debt—Penalty.
Status: in_force

Every person who arrests, attaches, detains, or claims to detain any human remains for any debt or demand, or upon any pretended lien or charge, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 68.54.040 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 54 / Section 040
RCW 68.54.040: Merger—Petition—Rejection, concurrence, or modification—Signatures.
Status: in_force

The board of the merger district may, by resolution, reject the petition, or it may concur therein as presented, or it may modify the terms and conditions of the proposed merger, and shall transmit the petition, together with a copy of its resolution thereon to the merging district. If the petition is concurred in as presented or as modified, the board of the merging district shall forthwith present the petition to the auditor of the county in which the merging district is situated, who shall within thirty days examine the signatures thereon and certify to the sufficiency or insufficiency thereof, and for that purpose he or she shall have access to all registration books and records in the possession of the registration officers of the election precincts included, in whole or in part, within the merging district. Such books and records shall be prima facie evidence of truth of the certificate. No signatures may be withdrawn from the petition after the filing.
RCW 68.24.130 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 130
RCW 68.24.130: Sale for resale prohibited—Penalty.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell or offer to sell a cemetery plot or right of interment upon the promise, representation, or inducement of resale at a financial profit. Each person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and each violation shall constitute a separate offense.
RCW 68.04.310 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 310
RCW 68.04.310: "Natural organic reduction."
Status: in_force

"Natural organic reduction" means the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil.
RCW 68.64.060 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 64 / Section 060
RCW 68.64.060: Refusal to make an anatomical gift.
Status: in_force

(1) An individual may refuse to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part by: (a) A record signed by: (i) The individual; or (ii) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, another individual acting at the direction of the individual if the individual is physically unable to sign; (b) The individual's will, whether or not the will is admitted to probate or invalidated after the individual's death; or (c) Any form of communication made by the individual during the individual's terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness. (2) A record signed pursuant to subsection (1)(a)(ii) of this section must: (a) Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the individual; and (b) State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in (a) of this subsection. (3) An individual who has made a refusal may amend or revoke the refusal: (a) In the manner provided in subsection (1) of this section for making a refusal; (b) By subsequently making an anatomical gift pursuant to RCW 68.64.040 that is inconsistent with the refusal; or (c) By destroying or canceling the record evidencing the refusal, or the portion of the record used to make the refusal, with the intent to revoke the refusal. (4) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 68.64.070 (8), in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the individual set forth in the refusal, an individual's unrevoked refusal to make an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part bars all other persons from making an anatomical gift of the individual's body or part.
RCW 68.05.030 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 030
RCW 68.05.030: "Endowment care," "endowed care" defined.
Status: in_force

The terms "endowment care" or "endowed care" used in this chapter shall include special care funds and all funds held for or represented as maintenance funds.
RCW 68.50.020 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 020
RCW 68.50.020: Notice to coroner or medical examiner—Penalty.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of every person who knows of the existence and location of human remains coming under the jurisdiction of the coroner or medical examiner as set forth in RCW 68.50.010 or 27.44.055 , to notify the coroner, medical examiner, or law enforcement thereof in the most expeditious manner possible, unless such person shall have good reason to believe that such notice has already been given. Any person knowing of the existence of such human remains and not having good reason to believe that the coroner has notice thereof and who shall fail to give notice to the coroner as aforesaid, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. For purposes of this section and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, "human remains" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 68.04.020 . Human remains also includes, but is not limited to, skeletal remains.
RCW 68.20.010 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 20 / Section 010
RCW 68.20.010: Incorporation required.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2239-S.SL ) ***

It is unlawful for any corporation, copartnership, firm, trust, association, or individual to engage in or transact any of the businesses of a cemetery within this state except by means of a corporation duly organized for that purpose.
RCW 68.50.106 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 106
RCW 68.50.106: Autopsies, postmortems—Analyses—Opinions—Evidence—Costs.
Status: in_force

In any case in which an autopsy or postmortem is performed, the coroner or medical examiner, upon his or her own authority or upon the request of the prosecuting attorney or other law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, may make or cause to be made an analysis of the stomach contents, blood, or organs, or tissues of a deceased person and secure professional opinions thereon and retain or dispose of any specimens or organs of the deceased which in his or her discretion are desirable or needful for anatomic, bacteriological, chemical, or toxicological examination or upon lawful request are needed or desired for evidence to be presented in court. Costs shall be borne by the county.
RCW 68.04.160 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 160
RCW 68.04.160: "Crypt."
Status: in_force

"Crypt" means a space in a mausoleum for the placement of human remains.
RCW 68.50.325 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 325
RCW 68.50.325: Indigenous persons—Identification of remains—Spiritual practices.
Status: in_force

(1) A county coroner having jurisdiction over human remains pursuant to RCW 68.50.010 shall, upon knowledge that the remains are of an indigenous person, cooperate with law enforcement to attempt to identify and immediately contact family members and any affected tribes, tribal organizations, and communities prior to removal or disturbance of the remains, except as deemed necessary by the county coroner and law enforcement in the interest of safety or to preserve evidence for any ongoing criminal investigation. Efforts to contact family members and affected tribes, tribal organizations, and communities must include an attempt to facilitate contact through the regional liaison for missing and murdered indigenous persons pursuant to RCW 43.43.874 within 10 days of the county coroner having jurisdiction over the remains. (2) If contact is successfully made, the county coroner shall afford an opportunity for a family member or a representative from any affected tribes, tribal organizations, or communities to visit the remains for the purpose of conducting any spiritual practices or ceremonies to honor or recognize the indigenous person's passing. A family member or representative's activities may not interfere with or jeopardize the integrity of any ongoing criminal investigation. The county coroner and the lead investigator from the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must provide the family member or representative with a list containing any conduct the family member or representative is prohibited from doing when interacting with the remains, including an explanation of why the conduct is prohibited. The family member or representative may not conduct any practices or ceremonies until the county coroner and the lead investigator provide their authorization. (3) For the purposes of this section, "affected tribes" has the same meaning as in RCW 68.50.645 . (4) Nothing in this section may be construed to contradict the sovereignty or rights of any federally recognized Indian tribe whose traditional lands and territories included parts of Washington.
RCW 68.04.900 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 900
RCW 68.04.900: Construction—Title applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this title, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
RCW 68.52.270 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 270
RCW 68.52.270: Organization of board—Secretary—Office—Meetings—Powers.
Status: in_force

The board of cemetery district commissioners shall organize and elect a chair from its number and shall appoint a secretary for such term as the board may determine. The secretary shall keep a record of proceedings of the board and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law or by the board, and shall also take and subscribe an oath for the faithful discharge of his or her duties, which shall be filed with the county clerk. The office of the board of cemetery commissioners and principal place of business of the district shall be at some place in the district designated by the board. The board shall hold regular monthly meetings at its office on such day as it may by resolution determine and may adjourn such meetings as may be required for the transaction of business. Special meetings of the board may be called at any time by a majority of the commissioners or by the secretary and the chair of the board. Any commissioner not joining in the call of a special meeting shall be entitled to three days written notice by mail of such meeting, specifying generally the business to be transacted. All meetings of the board of cemetery commissioners shall be public and a majority shall constitute a quorum. All records of the board shall be open to the inspection of any elector of the district at any meeting of the board. The board shall adopt a seal for the district; manage and conduct the affairs of the district; make and execute all necessary contracts; employ any necessary service, and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the government of the district and the performance of its functions and generally perform all acts which may be necessary to carry out the purposes for which the district was formed.
RCW 68.05.259 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 259
RCW 68.05.259: Payment of examination expenses.
Status: in_force

If any cemetery authority refuses to pay any examination expenses within thirty days of completion of the examination or refuses to pay certain examination expenses in advance as required by the department for cause, the board may take disciplinary action against any existing certificate of authority.
RCW 68.52.193 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 193
RCW 68.52.193: Public cemetery facilities or services—"Public agency" defined.
Status: in_force

As used in RCW 68.52.192 , "public agency" means counties, cities and towns, special districts, or quasi municipal corporations.
RCW 68.64.040 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 64 / Section 040
RCW 68.64.040: Manner in which an anatomical gift may be made.
Status: in_force

(1) A donor may make an anatomical gift: (a) By authorizing a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift to be imprinted on the donor's driver's license or identification card; (b) In a will; (c) During a terminal illness or injury of the donor, by any form of communication addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness; or (d) As provided in subsection (2) of this section. (2) A donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under RCW 68.64.030 may make a gift by a donor card or other record signed by the donor or other person making the gift or by authorizing that a statement or symbol indicating that the donor has made an anatomical gift be included on a donor registry. If the donor or other person is physically unable to sign a record, the record may be signed by another individual at the direction of the donor or other person and must: (a) Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the donor or the other person; and (b) State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in (a) of this subsection. (3) Revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of a driver's license or identification card through which an anatomical gift has been made does not invalidate the gift. (4) An anatomical gift made by will takes effect upon the donor's death whether or not the will is probated. Invalidation of the will after the donor's death does not invalidate the gift.
RCW 68.64.070 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 64 / Section 070
RCW 68.64.070: Making, amending, or revoking a gift by a person other than donor—Making additional gifts.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (7) of this section and subject to subsection (6) of this section, in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor, a person other than the donor is barred from making, amending, or revoking an anatomical gift of a donor's body or part if the donor made an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.040 or an amendment to an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.050 . (2) A donor's revocation of an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.050 is not a refusal and does not bar another person specified in RCW 68.64.030 or 68.64.080 from making an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.040 or 68.64.090 . (3) If a person other than the donor makes an unrevoked anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.040 or an amendment to an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.050 , another person may not make, amend, or revoke the gift of the donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.090 . (4) A revocation of an anatomical gift of a donor's body or part under RCW 68.64.050 by a person other than the donor does not bar another person from making an anatomical gift of the body or part under RCW 68.64.040 or 68.64.090 . (5) In the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under RCW 68.64.030 , an anatomical gift of a part is neither a refusal to give another part nor a limitation on the making of an anatomical gift of another part at a later time by the donor or another person. (6) In the absence of an express, contrary indication by the donor or other person authorized to make an anatomical gift under RCW 68.64.030 , an anatomical gift of a part for one or more of the permitted purposes is not a limitation on the making of an anatomical gift of the part for any of the other purposes by the donor or any other person under RCW 68.64.040 or 68.64.090 . (7) If a donor who is an unemancipated minor dies, a parent of the donor who is reasonably available may revoke or amend an anatomical gift of the donor's body or part. (8) If an unemancipated minor who signed a refusal dies, a parent of the minor who is reasonably available may revoke the minor's refusal.
RCW 68.05.310 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 310
RCW 68.05.310: Prearrangement sales—Disciplinary action.
Status: in_force

No cemetery authority whose prearrangement sales license has been the subject of disciplinary action shall be authorized to enter into prearrangement contracts unless specifically authorized by the board and only upon full compliance with the conditions required by the board. Any prearrangement sale by an unlicensed cemetery authority shall be voidable by the purchaser who shall be entitled to a full refund.
RCW 68.56.010 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 56 / Section 010
RCW 68.56.010: Unlawful damage to graves, markers, shrubs, etc.—Interfering with funeral.
Status: in_force

Every person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who unlawfully or without right wilfully does any of the following: (1) Destroys, cuts, mutilates, effaces, or otherwise injures, tears down or removes, any tomb, plot, monument, memorial or marker in a cemetery, or any gate, door, fence, wall, post or railing, or any enclosure for the protection of a cemetery or any property in a cemetery. (2) Destroys, cuts, breaks, removes or injures any building, statuary, ornamentation, tree, shrub, flower or plant within the limits of a cemetery. (3) Disturbs, obstructs, detains or interferes with any person carrying or accompanying human remains to a cemetery or funeral establishment, or engaged in a funeral service, or an interment.
RCW 68.54.080 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 54 / Section 080
RCW 68.54.080: Merger—Preexisting obligations.
Status: in_force

None of the obligations of the merged districts or of a local improvement district therein shall be affected by the merger and dissolution, and all land liable to be assessed to pay any of such indebtedness shall remain liable to the same extent as if the merger had not been made, and any assessments theretofore levied against the land shall remain unimpaired and shall be collected in the same manner as if no merger had been made. The commissioners of the merged district shall have all the powers possessed at the time of the merger by the commissioners of the two districts, to levy, assess and cause to be collected all assessments against any land in both districts which may be necessary to provide for the payment of the indebtedness thereof, and until the assessments are collected and all indebtedness of the districts paid, separate funds shall be maintained for each district as were maintained before the merger: PROVIDED, That the board of the merged district may, with the consent of the creditors of the districts merged, cancel any or all assessments theretofore levied, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger, to the end that the lands in the respective districts shall bear their fair and proportionate share of such indebtedness.
RCW 68.28.050 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 28 / Section 050
RCW 68.28.050: Ordinances and specifications to be complied with.
Status: in_force

If the proposed site is within the jurisdiction of a city having ordinances and specifications governing class A construction, the provisions of the local ordinances and specifications shall not be violated.
RCW 68.52.010 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 010
RCW 68.52.010: Morgues authorized in counties.
Status: in_force

The county legislative authority of each county may at its discretion provide and equip a public morgue together with suitable morgue wagon for the conveyance, receipt and proper disposition of the bodies of all deceased persons not claimed by relatives, and of all dead bodies which are by law subject to a postmortem or coroner's inquest: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That only one public morgue may be established in any county: PROVIDED FURTHER, That counties may agree to establish joint morgue facilities pursuant to chapter 39.34 RCW.
RCW 68.32.110 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 32 / Section 110
RCW 68.32.110: Order of interment—General.
Status: in_force

In a family plot one right of interment may be used for the owner's interment and one for the owner's surviving spouse or state registered domestic partner, if any. Any unoccupied spaces may then be used by the remaining parents and children of the deceased owner, if any, then to the spouse or state registered domestic partner of any child of the owner, then to the heirs at law of the owner, in the order of death.
RCW 68.52.190 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 190
RCW 68.52.190: General powers of district.
Status: in_force

Cemetery districts created under this chapter shall be deemed to be municipal corporations within the purview of the Constitution and laws of the state of Washington. They shall constitute bodies corporate and possess all the usual powers of corporations for public purposes. They shall have full authority to carry out the objects of their creation, and to that end are empowered to acquire, hold, lease, manage, occupy and sell real and personal property or any interest therein; to enter into and perform any and all necessary contracts; to appoint and employ necessary officers, agents and employees; to contract indebtedness, to borrow money, and to issue general obligation bonds in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW; to levy and enforce the collection of taxes against the lands within the district, and to do any and all lawful acts to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
RCW 68.64.140 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 64 / Section 140
RCW 68.64.140: Hospitals—Agreements or affiliations with procurement organizations required.
Status: in_force

Each hospital in this state shall enter into agreements or affiliations with procurement organizations for coordination of procurement and use of anatomical gifts.
RCW 68.05.028 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 028
RCW 68.05.028: "Director" defined.
Status: in_force

"Director" used in this chapter means the director of licensing.
RCW 68.50.101 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 101
RCW 68.50.101: Autopsy, postmortem—Who may authorize.
Status: in_force

Autopsy or postmortem may be performed in any case where authorization has been given by a member of one of the following classes of persons in the following order of priority: (1) The surviving spouse or state registered domestic partner; (2) Any child of the decedent who is eighteen years of age or older; (3) One of the parents of the decedent; (4) Any adult brother or sister of the decedent; (5) A person who was guardian of the decedent at the time of death; (6) Any other person or agency authorized or under an obligation to dispose of the remains of the decedent. The chief official of any such agency shall designate one or more persons to execute authorizations pursuant to the provisions of this section. If the person seeking authority to perform an autopsy or postmortem makes reasonable efforts to locate and secure authorization from a competent person in the first or succeeding class and finds no such person available, authorization may be given by any person in the next class, in the order of descending priority. However, no person under this section shall have the power to authorize an autopsy or postmortem if a person of higher priority under this section has refused such authorization: PROVIDED, That this section shall not affect autopsies performed pursuant to RCW 68.50.010 or 68.50.103 .
RCW 68.20.066 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 20 / Section 066
RCW 68.20.066: Specific powers—Prevention of improper assemblages.
Status: in_force

It may regulate the conduct of persons and prevent improper assemblages in the cemetery.
RCW 68.05.290 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 290
RCW 68.05.290: Board members' immunity from suits.
Status: in_force

Members of the board shall be immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based upon any official acts performed in good faith as members of the board. The state shall defend, indemnify, and hold the members of the board harmless from all claims or suits arising in any manner from such acts. Expenses incurred by the state under this section shall be paid from the general fund.
RCW 68.52.065 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 065
RCW 68.52.065: Approval of investments.
Status: in_force

All investments shall be approved by the council or legislative body of the city.
RCW 68.05.105 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 105
RCW 68.05.105: Authority of the board.
Status: in_force

In addition to the authority in RCW 18.235.030 , the board has the following authority under this chapter: (1) To adopt, amend, and rescind rules necessary to carry out this title; and (2) To adopt standards of professional conduct or practice.
RCW 68.24.190 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 190
RCW 68.24.190: Opening road through cemetery—Penalty.
Status: in_force

Every person who shall make or open any road, or construct any railway, turnpike, canal, or other public easement over, through, in, or upon any property used for the burial of human remains, without authority of law or the consent of the owner, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
RCW 68.46.090 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 46 / Section 090
RCW 68.46.090: Financial reports—Filing—Verification.
Status: in_force

Any cemetery authority selling prearrangement merchandise or other prearrangement services shall file in its office and with the board a written report upon forms prepared by the board which shall state the amount of the principle of the prearrangement trust fund, the depository of such fund, and cash on hand which is or may be due to the fund as well as other information the board may deem appropriate. All information appearing on such written reports shall be revised at least annually. These reports shall be verified by the president, or the vice president, and one other officer of the cemetery authority, the accountant or auditor who prepared the report, and, if required by the board for good cause, a certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
RCW 68.36.100 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 36 / Section 100
RCW 68.36.100: Petition may cover several lots.
Status: in_force

In any one petition for abandonment, a petitioner may, irrespective of diversity of ownership, include in any such petition as many lots or parts of lots as come within the provisions of *this act. The petition for abandonment shall be entitled: "In the Matter of the Abandonment, Forfeiture and Sale of Unoccupied and Uncared for Space located in . . . . . . . . . Cemetery."
RCW 68.50.160 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 160
RCW 68.50.160: Right to control disposition of remains—Liability of funeral establishment or cemetery authority—Liability for cost.
Status: in_force

(1) A person has the right to control the disposition of his or her own remains without the predeath or postdeath consent of another person. A valid written document expressing the decedent's wishes regarding the place or method of disposition of his or her remains, signed by the decedent in the presence of a witness, is sufficient legal authorization for the procedures to be accomplished. (2) Prearrangements that are prepaid, or filed with a licensed funeral establishment or cemetery authority, under RCW 18.39.280 through 18.39.345 and chapter 68.46 RCW are not subject to cancellation or substantial revision by survivors. Absent actual knowledge of contrary legal authorization under this section, a licensed funeral establishment or cemetery authority may not be held criminally nor civilly liable for acting upon such prearrangements. (3) If the decedent has not made a prearrangement as set forth in subsection (2) of this section or the costs of executing the decedent's wishes regarding the disposition of the decedent's remains exceeds a reasonable amount or directions have not been given by the decedent, the right to control the disposition of the remains of a deceased person vests in, and the duty of disposition and the liability for the reasonable cost of preparation, care, and disposition of such remains devolves upon the following in the order named: (a) The person designated by the decedent as authorized to direct disposition as listed on the decedent's United States department of defense record of emergency data, DD form 93, or its successor form, if the decedent died while serving in military service as described in 10 U.S.C. Sec. 1481(a) (1)-(8) in any branch of the United States armed forces, United States reserve forces, or national guard; (b) The designated agent of the decedent as directed through a written document signed and dated by the decedent in the presence of a witness. The direction of the designated agent is sufficient to direct the type, place, and method of disposition; (c) The surviving spouse or state registered domestic partner; (d) The majority of the surviving adult children of the decedent; (e) The surviving parents of the decedent; (f) The majority of the surviving siblings of the decedent; (g) A court-appointed guardian for the person at the time of the person's death. (4) If any person to whom the right of control has vested pursuant to subsection (3) of this section has been arrested or charged with first or second degree murder or first degree manslaughter in connection with the decedent's death, the right of control is relinquished and passed on in accordance with subsection (3) of this section. (5) If a cemetery authority as defined in RCW 68.04.190 or a funeral establishment licensed under chapter 18.39 RCW has made a good faith effort to locate the person cited in subsection (3)(a) through (g) of this section or the legal representative of the decedent's estate, the cemetery authority or funeral establishment has the right to rely on an authority to bury or make final disposition of the human remains, executed by the most responsible party available, and the cemetery authority or funeral establishment may not be held criminally or civilly liable for burying or performing final disposition of the human remains. In the event any government agency or charitable organization provides the funds for the disposition of any human remains, the cemetery authority, alkaline hydrolysis, natural organic reduction facility, or funeral establishment may not be held criminally or civilly liable for making final disposition of the human remains. (6) The liability for the reasonable cost of preparation, care, and disposition devolves jointly and severally upon all kin of the decedent in the same degree of kindred, in the order listed in subsection (3) of this section, and upon the estate of the decedent.
RCW 68.52.150 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 150
RCW 68.52.150: Election, how conducted—Notice.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the election must insofar as possible be called, noticed, held, conducted, and canvassed in the same manner and by the same officials as provided by law for special elections in the county. The notice of election must: State generally and briefly the purpose of the election; describe the boundaries of the proposed cemetery district; list the names of the candidates for first cemetery district commissioners; and specify the election date.
RCW 68.52.060 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 060
RCW 68.52.060: Care and investment of fund.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the cemetery board and other body or commission having in charge the care and operation of cemeteries to invest all sums set aside from the sale of lots, and all sums of money received, and to care for the income of all money and property held in trust for the purposes designated herein: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That all investments shall be made in municipal, county, school or state bonds, general obligation warrants of the city owning such cemetery, or in first mortgages on good and improved real estate.
RCW 68.60.040 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 60 / Section 040
RCW 68.60.040: Protection of cemeteries—Penalties.
Status: in_force

(1) Every person who in a cemetery unlawfully or without right willfully destroys, cuts, mutilates, effaces, or otherwise injures, tears down or removes, any tomb, plot, monument, memorial, or marker in a cemetery, or any gate, door, fence, wall, post, or railing, or any enclosure for the protection of a cemetery or any property in a cemetery is guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (2) Every person who in a cemetery unlawfully or without right willfully destroys, cuts, breaks, removes, or injures any building, statuary, ornamentation, tree, shrub, flower, or plant within the limits of a cemetery is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. (3) Every person who in a cemetery unlawfully or without right willfully opens a grave; removes personal effects of the decedent; removes all or portions of human remains; removes or damages caskets, surrounds, outer burial containers, or any other device used in making the original burial; transports unlawfully removed human remains from the cemetery; or knowingly receives unlawfully removed human remains from the cemetery is guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
RCW 68.50.035 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 035
RCW 68.50.035: Unlawful to refuse burial to non-Caucasian.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any cemetery under this chapter to refuse burial to any person because such person may not be of the Caucasian race.
RCW 68.20.040 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 20 / Section 040
RCW 68.20.040: Prior corporations not affected.
Status: in_force

The provisions of *this act do not affect the corporate existence or rights or powers of any cemetery organized under any law then existing prior to June 9, 1943, and as to such cemeteries and their rights, powers specified in their charters or articles of incorporation, the laws under which the corporation was organized and existed and under which such rights and powers become fixed or vested are applicable.
RCW 68.44.170 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 44 / Section 170
RCW 68.44.170: Use of income from fund.
Status: in_force

The income from the endowment care fund shall be used solely for the general care, maintenance, and embellishment of the cemetery, and shall be applied in such manner as the cemetery authority may from time to time determine to be for the best interest of the cemetery.
RCW 68.40.025 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 40 / Section 025
RCW 68.40.025: Nonendowed sections—Identification.
Status: in_force

Cemeteries with nonendowed sections opened before July 1, 1987, shall only be required to endow sections opened after July 1, 1987. On the face of any contract, receipt, or deed used for sales of nonendowed interment rights shall be prominently displayed the words "Nonendowment section." All nonendowed sections shall be identified as such by posting of a legible sign containing the following phrase: "Nonendowment section."
RCW 68.52.100 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 100
RCW 68.52.100: Petition—Requisites—Examination.
Status: in_force

(1) To form a cemetery district, a petition designating the boundaries of the proposed district by metes and bounds or describing the lands to be included in the proposed district by government townships, ranges, and legal subdivisions, setting forth the object of the formation of the proposed district, and stating that the formation of the proposed district will be conducive to the public welfare and convenience, must be filed with the county auditor of the county in which the proposed district is located, accompanied by an obligation signed by two or more petitioners agreeing to pay the cost of publishing the notice specified in RCW 68.52.120 . (2) The petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters in the proposed district. However, in counties with only one municipality the petition must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters in the proposed district, based on the total vote cast in the most recent county general election. (3) The county auditor must, within thirty days from the date of filing of the petition, examine the signatures and certify the sufficiency or insufficiency of the petition. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, in counties with only one municipality the county auditor must examine the signatures and certify the sufficiency or insufficiency of the petition within fifteen days from the date of filing of the petition. If the county auditor certifies that the petition is insufficient, the county auditor must afford the person who filed the petition ten days from that certification to add additional signatures to the petition. The petition must be refiled by the end of that period. Within fifteen days from the date of refiling, the county auditor must examine the signatures and certify the sufficiency or insufficiency of the petition. (5) The name of any person who signed a petition may not be withdrawn from the petition after it has been filed with the county auditor. (6) If the petition is found to contain a sufficient number of valid signatures, the county auditor must transmit it, with a certificate of sufficiency attached, to the county legislative authority, which must thereupon, by resolution entered upon its minutes, receive the petition and fix a day and hour when it will publicly hear the petition. (7) For the purposes of this section, "municipality" means a city or town.
RCW 68.40.090 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 40 / Section 090
RCW 68.40.090: Penalty.
Status: in_force

Any person, partnership, corporation, association, or his or her or its agents or representatives who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter or make any false statement appearing on any sign, contract, agreement, receipt, statement, literature, or other publication shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
RCW 68.60.020 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 60 / Section 020
RCW 68.60.020: Dedication.
Status: in_force

Any cemetery, abandoned cemetery, historical cemetery, or historic grave that has not been dedicated pursuant to RCW 68.24.030 and 68.24.040 shall be considered permanently dedicated and subject to RCW 68.24.070 . Removal of dedication may only be made pursuant to RCW 68.24.090 and 68.24.100 .
RCW 68.28.020 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 28 / Section 020
RCW 68.28.020: Building converted to use for human remains placement.
Status: in_force

A building not erected for, or which is not used as, a place for placement of human remains which is converted or altered for such use is subject to *this act.
RCW 68.54.020 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 54 / Section 020
RCW 68.54.020: Merger—Authorized.
Status: in_force

A cemetery district organized under chapter 68.52 RCW may merge with another such district lying adjacent thereto, upon such terms and conditions as they agree upon, in the manner hereinafter provided. The district desiring to merge with another district shall hereinafter be called the "merging district", and the district into which the merger is to be made shall be called the "merger district".
RCW 68.24.120 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 120
RCW 68.24.120: Plots or rights of interment indivisible.
Status: in_force

All plots or rights of interment, the use of which has been conveyed by deed or certificate of ownership as a separate plot or right of interment, are indivisible except with the consent of the cemetery authority, or as provided by law.
RCW 68.32.150 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 32 / Section 150
RCW 68.32.150: Limitations on vested rights.
Status: in_force

No vested right of interment gives any person the right to have his or her remains interred in any interment space in which the remains of any deceased person having a prior vested right of interment have been interred. No vested right of interment gives any person the right to have the remains of more than one deceased person placed in a single space in violation of the rules and regulations of the cemetery in which the space is located.
RCW 68.46.130 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 46 / Section 130
RCW 68.46.130: Exemptions from chapter granted by board.
Status: in_force

The board may grant an exemption from any or all of the requirements of this chapter relating to prearrangement contracts to any cemetery authority which: (1) Sells less than twenty prearrangement contracts per year; and (2) Deposits one hundred percent of all funds received into a trust fund under RCW 68.46.030 , as now or hereafter amended.
RCW 68.60.050 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 60 / Section 050
RCW 68.60.050: Protection of historic graves—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who knowingly removes, mutilates, defaces, injures, or destroys any historic grave shall be guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. Persons disturbing historic graves through inadvertence, including disturbance through construction, shall reinter the human remains under the supervision of the department of archaeology and historic preservation. Expenses to reinter such human remains are to be provided by the department of archaeology and historic preservation to the extent that funds for this purpose are appropriated by the legislature. (2) This section does not apply to actions taken in the performance of official law enforcement duties. (3) It shall be a complete defense in a prosecution under subsection (1) of this section if the defendant can prove by a preponderance of evidence that the alleged acts were accidental or inadvertent and that reasonable efforts were made to preserve the remains accidentally disturbed or discovered, and that the accidental discovery or disturbance was properly reported.
RCW 68.05.370 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 370
RCW 68.05.370: Board action against authorities—Enforcement of orders.
Status: in_force

The board may apply to the superior court of the county of the principal place of business of the cemetery authority affected for enforcement of any effective and outstanding order issued under RCW 68.05.320 or 68.05.340 , and the court shall have jurisdiction to order compliance with the order.
RCW 68.36.010 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 36 / Section 010
RCW 68.36.010: Sale of abandoned space—Presumption of abandonment.
Status: in_force

The ownership or right to unoccupied cemetery space in this state shall, upon abandonment, be subject to forfeiture and sale by the person or entity having ownership or management of the cemetery. Unoccupied cemetery space is presumed to be abandoned if it has been neglected and in a state of disrepair for a period of five years.
RCW 68.24.010 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 010
RCW 68.24.010: Right to acquire property.
Status: in_force

Cemetery authorities may take by purchase, donation, or devise, property consisting of lands, mausoleums, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction facilities, and columbariums, or other property within which the placement of human remains may be authorized by law.
RCW 68.50.070 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 50 / Section 070
RCW 68.50.070: Human remains—Disposition.
Status: in_force

(1) Any public agency required to provide for the disposition of human remains in any legal manner at public expense must surrender the human remains to: (a) Any physician or surgeon, to be used for the advancement of anatomical science, preference being given to medical schools in this state, for their use in the instruction of medical students; or (b) An accredited educational institution offering funeral services and embalming programs for use in training embalming students under the supervision of an embalmer licensed under chapter 18.39 RCW. (2) If the deceased person requested to be buried, or if some person claiming to be a relative or a responsible officer of a religious organization with which the deceased at the time of death was affiliated requires the remains to be buried, the remains must be buried, subject to the requirements of RCW 68.50.110 and 68.50.230 .
RCW 68.04.250 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 250
RCW 68.04.250: "Interment right."
Status: in_force

"Interment right" means the right to inter human remains in a particular space in a cemetery.
RCW 68.44.120 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 44 / Section 120
RCW 68.44.120: Directors as trustees—Secretary.
Status: in_force

The directors of a cemetery authority may be the trustees of its endowment care fund. When the fund is in the care of the directors, the secretary of the cemetery authority shall keep a true record of all of its proceedings.
RCW 68.36.050 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 36 / Section 050
RCW 68.36.050: Hearing—Order—Attorneys' fees.
Status: in_force

An owner or claimant may appear and answer the allegations of the petition. If an owner fails to do so prior to the day fixed for hearing, a default shall be entered and it shall then be the duty of the superior court to immediately enter an order adjudging the unoccupied space to have been abandoned and subject to sale. In the event the owner or claimant shall appear and file his or her answer prior to the day fixed for the hearing, the presumption of abandonment shall no longer exist, and on the day fixed for the hearing of the petition or on any subsequent day to which the hearing of the cause is adjourned, the allegations and proof of the parties shall be presented to the court and if the court shall determine that there has been a continued failure to maintain or care for the unoccupied space for a period of three consecutive years preceding the filing of the petition, an order shall be entered accordingly adjudging the unoccupied space to have been abandoned and subject to sale at the expiration of one year by the person, association, corporation, or municipality having ownership of the cemetery containing the same. Upon any adjudication of abandonment, the court shall fix such sum as it shall deem reasonable as attorneys' fees for petitioner's attorney for rights of interment adjudged to have been abandoned in such proceedings.
RCW 68.52.290 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 290
RCW 68.52.290: Tax levy authorized for fund.
Status: in_force

Annually, after the county board of equalization has equalized assessments for general tax purposes, the secretary of the district shall prepare a budget of the requirements of the cemetery district fund, certify the same and deliver it to the board of county commissioners in ample time for such board to levy district taxes. At the time of making general tax levies in each year, the board of county commissioners shall levy taxes required for cemetery district purposes against the real and personal property in the district in accordance with the equalized valuation thereof for general tax purposes, and as a part of said general taxes. Such levies shall be part of the general tax roll and be collected as a part of general taxes against the property in the district.
RCW 68.04.320 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 04 / Section 320
RCW 68.04.320: "Natural organic reduction facility."
Status: in_force

"Natural organic reduction facility" means a structure, room, or other space in a building or real property where natural organic reduction of a human body occurs.
RCW 68.64.900 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 64 / Section 900
RCW 68.64.900: Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the revised uniform anatomical gift act.
RCW 68.05.115 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 05 / Section 115
RCW 68.05.115: Sale or transfer of cemetery authority or creation of a new cemetery—Penalty for noncompliance.
Status: in_force

Prior to the sale or transfer of ownership or control of any cemetery authority or the creation of a new cemetery, any person or entity desiring to acquire such ownership or control or to create a new cemetery shall apply in writing to the board for a new certificate of authority to operate a cemetery. The board shall enter any order deemed necessary for the protection of all endowment care funds and/or prearrangement trust fund during such transfer. As a condition of applying for a new certificate of authority, the entity desiring to acquire such ownership or control must agree to be bound by all then existing prearrangement contracts. Persons and business entities selling and persons and business entities purchasing ownership or control of a cemetery authority shall each verify and attest to an endowment care fund report and/or a prearrangement trust fund report showing the status of such funds on the date of the sale on a written report form prescribed by the board. Such reports shall be considered part of the application for authority to operate. Failure to comply with this section shall be a gross misdemeanor and any sale or transfer in violation of this section shall be void.
RCW 68.46.020 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 46 / Section 020
RCW 68.46.020: Prearrangement trust funds—Required.
Status: in_force

Any cemetery authority selling by prearrangement contracts any merchandise or services shall establish and maintain one or more prearrangement trust funds for the benefit of beneficiaries of prearrangement contracts.
RCW 68.44.140 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 44 / Section 140
RCW 68.44.140: Compensation of trustees.
Status: in_force

Compensation to the board of trustees or trustee for services as trustee and other compensation for administration of trust funds shall not exceed the customary fees charged by banks and trust companies for like services. Such fees may not be paid from the fund principal.
RCW 68.24.160 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 24 / Section 160
RCW 68.24.160: Liens subordinate to dedication.
Status: in_force

All mortgages, deeds of trust, and other liens placed upon property which has been dedicated as a cemetery, or which is afterwards dedicated to cemetery purposes pursuant to this section, shall not affect or defeat the dedication. The mortgage, deed of trust, or other lien is subject and subordinate to the dedication. Any and all sales made upon foreclosure are subject and subordinate to the dedication for cemetery purposes.
RCW 68.52.200 — Washington Code / Title 68 / Chapter 52 / Section 200
RCW 68.52.200: Right of eminent domain.
Status: in_force

The taking and damaging of property or rights therein by any cemetery district to carry out the purposes of its creation, are hereby declared to be for a public use, and any such district shall have and exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire any property or rights therein, either inside or outside the district for the use of such district. In exercising the power of eminent domain, a district shall proceed in the manner provided by law for the appropriation of real property or rights therein by private corporations. It may at its option unite in a single action proceedings to condemn property held by separate owners. Two or more condemnation suits instituted separately may also in the discretion of the court be consolidated upon motion of any interested party into a single action. In such cases the jury shall render separate verdicts for each tract of land in different ownership. No finding of the jury or decree of the court as to damages in any condemnation suit instituted by the district shall be held or construed to destroy the right of the district to levy and collect taxes for any and all district purposes against the uncondemned land situated within the district.