2015 Arkansas Code
Title 20 - Public Health And Welfare
Subtitle 2 - Health And Safety
Chapter 17 - Death and Disposition of the Dead
Subchapter 14 - Missing in America Project Act
§ 20-17-1404 - Authority to cremate unclaimed remains -- Retention of the remains.

(a) An authorizing agent may authorize the cremation of an unclaimed deceased veteran's body.

(b) A funeral establishment that accepts the unclaimed remains of a veteran:

(1) Shall place the cremated remains in a container marked with the proper identification of the decedent;

(2) (A) Shall retain or arrange for the retention of the cremated remains until they are relinquished to:

(i) A veterans service organization;

(ii) The state or federal department of veterans affairs; or

(iii) The authorizing agent.

(B) The veterans service organization or Department of Veterans' Affairs or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs must certify that the deceased veteran:

(i) Is entitled to interment benefits from the state or federal department of veterans affairs; and

(ii) Will be provided a dignified and honorable funeral at a veterans cemetery;

(3) (A) May dispose of the cremated remains in a manner permitted by law after five (5) days from the date of cremation if the cremated remains are not relinquished to a person as provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this section.

(B) The disposal of the remains must comply with the public health and welfare laws of the State of Arkansas.